GHENT (Belgium) – Even before the Kuipke It fills up completely, but the track doesn't "sleep." It's animated by kids under 23, and among them there are also two Italians, Thomas Alunni (born in 2005) e Niccolo Galli (class of 2002). Unlike the elite, here they race for national teams and in fact they are guided by a coach Fabio MasottiWhat are our people doing up here? What are their goals?
Alunni is still a junior, he is among the youngest of the 24 on the track: here too there are 12 couples. Next year the Umbrian rider will wear the colours of the Technipes-Emilia Romagna. While Galli, who runs for the Biesse-ArvediHe's more experienced. And you can see it in the way he moves on the track and how he digests certain rhythms. But regardless of experience, you're here for an investment. A concept that Masotti clarifies immediately and which emerges during the interview.
Fabio, you're here with these two guys for…
To do well, to run and to improve. We have been coming to Ghent as a national team for many years and I must say that it has always been a great experience, Because there are some very, very strong pairs of guys. The age range is quite broad, with some juniors and some under 23s, even third-years.
And there's a big difference…
There's a big difference, but our goal isn't to win or to come here with riders to do the general classification, but to give them an experience. In particular, so that they can technically learn what the Madison gesture is, the American one. And here, believe me, you learn.
Why?
Because the level is high and because it's a short track, 166 metres, where you're almost always on bends. Anyone who comes from the parquet will tell you that this is where real track cycling is. It's the Six Days: this mixed formula of individual and team races. It's just a shame that now it's getting a bit lost due to sponsors that are harder to find, Covid... Therefore, even more so, Ghent remains the cathedral of track cycling.
Why did you choose to bring these two guys?
There are various names we work with, young guys who are continuing their track activity in the junior category and beyond. Let's say we've made the choices. based on those who could participate in this type of competition during the year, always considering the quartet and the madison first. But it must also be said that at the same time it was almost an obligatory choice, made based on who was available.
That?
We're in a difficult period of the season. Many young people have retired, so it's not easy to find athletes who are still in good shape or in a good stage of preparation. As for Galli, this is his second year here and he realized that the experience has been very useful to him. Alunni, on the other hand, is a "kid," still a junior. He doesn't have a ton of experience, but he's passionate and eager to succeed. He wasn't in bad shape—he's certainly not at his best—and we called him up.
Fabio, you mentioned the American sculls: this specialty is very important since it's one of the Olympic events. So are we working towards this as well?
Of course, the Madison is part of the Olympic specialties package and we have to keep up with the other nations. In the elite category startlist Here in Ghent there are still many riders who have won world championships, Olympics, European championships and still… They come here not only to win or to challenge themselves, but also to use the event as a refresher course. At least in my opinion that's how it is.
Are you referring to the type of track?
To the races in general and especially to the American one, which is very tough on this track. It's important to ride here.
We imagine you'll have a lot of advice to give. What's the main one?
If we're talking about an American, the main and fundamental thing is to always stay focused and see where your partner is at all times. Watch… continuously watch your partner and the race. Especially on a track like this, you can't get distracted, not even for a second. And always remember the key moments: how far to the sprint, how many laps in total...
In short, the real work for the future. Even coming here without victory as the primary objective is important: it's an investment on the Federation's part...
That's it, the main goal is to gain experienceWinning here among the under 23s doesn't change your
life. Sure, it might please you personally, but the purpose is different. For example, Once the races are over, we go to the stands to watch the elite. At least an hour, then we'll go to the hotel, otherwise it would be too late!
What kind of gear do these guys use? We've seen that the elite travel with short teeth...
The organization has planned a forced ratio: 49×15 or 52×16, therefore very agile. This choice is mainly linked to a safety issue, in this way exaggerated speeds are not reached.
