The rebirth of Italian speed explained by Bragato

They made the difference in the Italian speed sector the will to change gear, the time spent and the enthusiasm of Ivan Quaranta. Speaking with Diego Bragato who follows the preparation of the Italian sprinters, the gist is exactly this, confirming that above all there was a lot of work to do.

«We were talking with Miriam Vece who works in Aigle with her coach – says Bragato – and we realized that up there they did the same things as us, but every day. Instead, we limited ourselves to less frequent rallies and more modest programs. We were more focused on endurance riders, who have their routines of track and road. And when they came to Montichiari, a few reminders were enough. Instead for sprinters, continuity between the gym and the track is essential. But there were few resources. Instead Now Ivan has taken the plunge and suddenly things have changed».

Where did you start from?

From the riders we already knew and then we have started to expand the junior fieldHaving good prospects, we went to talk to athletes and teams, suggesting they join the speed group. On the preparation front, between Marco Compri and myself there was already a wealth of experience developed first with Ceci and then with Matteo Bianchi, so planning the activity was not impossible.

How were you welcomed?

Let's take the Campana Imballaggi, one of the most involved companies. We told them that we would have held more rallies, proposing that they still manage the road component to achieve comprehensive training for the athletes. A great atmosphere has been created.

So the sprinter still needs the road?

The tournaments are long, there are many sprints to repeat. Predomo achieved better times in the sprints at the European Championships than in the qualifying sessions (The Bolzano native at the European Championships in Anadia, UEC photo, opens.) A sign that he had a better base than his opponents.

So was it a question of intensifying their presence on the track?

They are always connected with more or less long retreats. As a base, there is Montichiari twice a weekBut before the European Championships, we had a three-week retreat. And at that stage, we watched videos of the opponents, we tested the batteries one by oneThey could compare themselves with each other and Comparison in these phases helps to growAsk the quartet whenever there are selections to be made and you roll damage…

What was Miriam Vece's role?

We have always talked and He gave us information about what they do in Aigle. This is how the speed project was born.She is now tied to her coach, but we need her to return to Italy. We hope to be able to bring her home soon..

Are the synergies with BMX so effective?

I'm happy with the Tugnolo's resultsWe copied the Dutch system, thanks to a coach like Lupi who has a good open mind. We went from the idea that the track could be a good preparation phase for them, to understanding whether different developments are possible. Tugnolo was the first to believe in it and to reap results.

Is it a two-way process? Can a track cyclist switch to BMX?

In the juniors and up, I fear it's one-way. To race BMX you need a very high technical level, which you don't build as an adult if you didn't do it as a child. It's difficult for a junior to move from track to BMXBut Tugnolo himself, for example, will still be able to do so for a while. do both, because in BMX he is one of the best. Then I think he will have to choose.

What are the common points?

They both work a lot on strength. BMX athletes are born through gym training and standing starts, which is how sprinters should grow.With increasing gym and strength training, the problem is the fear of no longer climbing and winning road sprints.

We need to offer them substantial alternatives.

Our Customers rookies capable of excellent times at an international level, hesitant in the face of the choices to be made. The road in Italy is a very strong call. Our concern now is consolidate this path, to offer them an alternative.