To the recent track meeting in Noto There were two latecomers, who were fully justified. Niccolò Galli and Matthias Pinazzi They rejoined the group directly from Ghent, where they had taken part in the Be Giorni, one of the most important in the calendar. An event made special by the celebrations for Iljo Keisse's farewell, the Belgian tightrope walker who, on the threshold of his 40th birthday, decided to put a stop to his career.
Pinazzi had already been in the Belgian city for the track event, for Galli, however, it was an absolute firstFor both, it was a succession of emotions and experiences, which will be useful as they continue their careers on the velodrome. Pinazzi is the first to delve into the story: "Last year, when I had disputed it with Woodcutter I had worked harder, this time I prepared myself and the difference was evident. It's an experience you absolutely must have, the track feels like a temple, as soon as you get on it you get a lump in your throat...".
Almost like a World Cup
«I have less experience, with Mattia we shared the conquest of the European quartet title in Amadia among the under 23s – Galli intervenes – Ghent was the first major Six Days and before the start I was very excitedI was especially afraid that the level would be very high, like a World Cup, and in fact it was, but even though we were clearly behind in our preparation, we defended ourselves well."
The two Italians were competing in the Under-23 event, which preceded the Elite event each evening. They were, so to speak, called upon to "warm up" the crowd: "But don't think the program was that different," Pinazzi clarifies. Every day we also had tests on flying laps or standing laps, points races, American races… In short, the whole program that even the adults have to face."
An experience to repeat
What's your final assessment, especially from a novice like Galli? "It's definitely worth doing again," he says. "Of course... It's very demanding, it's a lot of work, but I think it brings many benefits in the long run, and I'm convinced that repeating the experience would make things even better."
The Italian pair finished in Ghent in 7th place (victory for the locals Milan Van Den Haute and Jasper Bertels), doing better than last year: «And without the fall in the American on the third day it would have gone even better "—explains Pinazzi—because we had to lose laps on that occasion. In the end, we can be satisfied, also because I was already quite well-oiled into the race, unlike Niccolò, which is why he was the one who surprised us the most.
«When we came back – continues the Parma native – I asked Villa to be able to check if there was any possibility of doing another Six Days. I would love to do the elite one in a few years, not only is it an absolute spectacle, but it really teaches you how to run on the track».
Keisse, the farewell of a showman
Galli lived this experience as a wonderland: «It is not comparable to any other event. When you run, you feel like you're in a cauldron, with spectators even in the stands and incredible cheering. The track is also impressive, which is why I think it's such a rewarding experience."
Making it all even more special were the celebrations for Keisse, a true track legend, one of those capable not only of winning but also of putting on a show, of galvanizing the crowd, and for this reason, so beloved: "There was a stadium-like cheering," Pinazzi recalls, "all the riders came out to pay homage to him along with the crowd. You could see he was particularly emotional; those are moments you never forget."
A problem of culture
«For me – Galli intervenes – it was special. I always saw Keisse on TV, I grew up with idols like him who made me love the trackBeing there, sharing those moments, being able to shake his hand was special. He never lost his humility, and I think the audience loved him and thanked him for that too."
Would something like this be possible in Italy? We, along with Milan, were almost the cradle of the Six Days in the last century, then with the collapse of the Palasport nothing more was done, except in sporadic cases: «In my opinion it would be difficult to recreate something like this "—Pinazzi admits—"because there's a different culture there, cycling is almost a religion. For those of us who race, having a race here would be a godsend."
