Among the young people who have made themselves more visible at the recent world track championships there is also the name of Etienne Grimod, who came within a whisker of the individual pursuit finals. The Aosta Valley native is back in full swing in the identikit drawn by the coach Salvoldi figures that should be close in performance to Ganna, Milan e agree, regardless of whether the Tokyo Olympians decide to embark on another Olympic adventure projected towards 2028. Because alone, with the current level, they are no longer enough, we need new blood, new talent.
Grimod didn't even make the team pursuit in Santiago: "In Montichiari we tried the quartet many times because I was in the group of potential candidates. Then in the end… the coach has decided to deploy Giaimi as third. But if there hadn't been such a small gap between qualifying and the first round, he probably would have lined me up as a new entry in terms of times. I know I'm part of the group, though, but in Chile pushed me to focus more on the individual test to show my worth."
How do you rate your trip to Chile?
It was definitely a great experience first and foremost. We were all quite young, we found ourselves in a top level event, in the end, for us who were making our debut, it went well. If I had to give a grade, I think it would be a solid 8.
Did you expect to get so close to the finals in the individual event?
Honestly, no. But when we went out on the track to test, I saw that I was still feeling good and realized I could even be quite close to the leaders. But the race is always something unexpected, not knowing that the level of the others was so high.I didn't expect to come so close to the top.
As for timing, yours were the best you've ever had. A performance like this also makes you a candidate to become a permanent member of the quartet. In what role?
Actually, as a junior, I tried a bit of everything: I jumped at the European Championships, then I came in fourth at the World Championships. This year at the European Championships in Zolder, I was second among the elites, and in Chile I would have been third. Let's say that versatility is another of my characteristics.It's clear that, like everyone else, I'm aiming for the quartet above all else, so I can aspire to Olympic participation and even something more.
You're another one of those guys who combines track and road. What's your relationship like? Which discipline do you prefer, and how much do you dedicate to it?
Let's say I do 70 percent road and 30 percent track, at times the ratio even becomes 60-40. It's clear that I have to dedicate much more time to the road, many more hours. But we've already agreed with the manager that starting in December we'll start spending at least 1-2 days a week on the track. It is necessary to acquire certain automatisms if, as in my case, the track is a primary objective.
Do you see the track as a help or sometimes even an obstacle for your road activity?
No, it is absolutely not an obstacle, It gives you that extra pedal stroke, that extra strength, the sprint, it gives you many things that the road can't give. For me it is a conditio sine qua non to continue my activity and I must say that at the Biesse Carrera I have always found great availability in this regard.
What are your characteristics on the road and how do you rate your season?
I'm a fast rouleur who can also hold his own on climbs and has good acceleration. These are all characteristics that the track helps to hone, which is why I say I would never give them up. I'm good at pace, on short, not-too-steep climbs. To be honest, I didn't get off to a great start at the beginning of the season.
What happened?
In the middle of the year I had a few problems. The condition arrived in the second half until closing with the first victory right in extremis, at the Puglia Challenge. The balance compared to the track was certainly lower, but I hope that in 2026 luck will be on my side too.
Where will you be next year?
I'm going to the Solme Elm, so I'm staying in the continental arena, for my third year among the Under 23s. I know I have a lot at stake, it's almost a decisive year and I'm definitely approaching it on the basis of this second yearI've learned to be much calmer because I'd started off on the wrong foot, putting unnecessary pressure on myself, and so I'll definitely approach it more calmly, without worrying too much; whatever happens, happens. I've learned that what comes, you take it, you bring it home without brooding too much. However, one imperative remains: to combine road and track, seeking the best of both.
It's clear, however, that you left Santiago with a different aura than you had before. You're also better known, more appreciated...
Exactly, it was definitely a confidence booster. It may seem strange to say, but I can't wait for next season to start…
