How was it born? national cyclocross calendar? And why do they allow themselves? overlaps Which somehow disadvantage one organizer over another? While wandering around competition venues (the Osoppo event of the 2022-23 GIC kicks off, photo by Billiani), in discussions on social media, and reading the messages we've received recently, the tenor of the questions is more or less this.
However, given that The best way to get answers is to ask the questions of the people directly involved., we landed once again from Massimo Ghirotto, President of the Off-Road Commission. And seeing the number of times we've brought it up recently, it makes you wonder (with a smile) if when he accepted the job, the Paduan expected everything he had to deal withFrom cross to gravel regulations, obviously passing through mountain biking and BMX.
General recovery
Before we begin, however, let us make a consideration. Thanks to the meticulous work of the past years of Fausto Scotti, the cross has returned to occupy every weekend from October to January. And if in 2020 and 2021 the only circuit that restarted after Covid and during Covid was precisely the Tour of Italy organized by the former city manager (who used those stages to observe the riders who were considered to be blue), Today everything else started again too. For this reason, we will probably still get in each other's way on some occasions.
Good morning Massimo, explain to us: how did the cross-country calendar come about?
Nothing too different from other calendars. Each company proposes its own date, knowing that, according to the UCI's indication, international events have priority.We have 8 for this season, including the Vermiglio World Cup. Then there are historic circuits, such as the Giro d'Italia, the Master and the MediterraneoCrossGiven such abundance, we thought of putting a cap on the circuit tests, considering that in three months of activity you cannot go beyond 6 testsI think it's in their best interest too.
From what point of view?
Can focus on the quality of evidence, knowing that those aiming for the circuit rankings will have fewer problems doing them all.
Some overlaps did occur, however. For example, on October 30th, November 6th, and November 13th...
This calendar has been around for months and we discussed the coincidences at length. Talking about November 13th, for example, we are talking about one race in Ovindoli and one in BisceglieIt is often said that the South is penalised by the many away matches. These are matches where you also go for score points for the Top Class ranking. So we assessed that the proof of Ovindoli, which was initially supposed to be in Ferentino, is more easily reachable by companies from the North. While in Puglia the others will have the opportunity to run. It seems to me the way to not force everyone to travel too expensively.
Same goes for Brugherio and Follonica?
That weekend there is the international race in Brugherio on the 29th, the national race in Brugherio, the Follonica stage of the Giro d'Italia on the 30th and the national race in Florence on November 1st. Organized companies could go international and then move to Tuscany, there are no prohibitive distancesI don't see any big problems if even someone stopped for two days in Brugherio, assuming that it is a very concentrated calendar of eventsThe solution to avoid overlaps would be to not authorize some tenders, but that would be unfair to the companies. And besides, the period cannot be extended, because in October there is still road racing and in February the mountain bike season starts. So it's all a question of fitting together, while there are those who have no problem, once the calendar is completed, in asking to change the location or date...
Does it happen often?
It happens. You spend days contacting the organizers. And then when the deadlines have expired, requests for relocation arriveLike the Giro d'Italia, which moves the race from Ferentino to Ovindoli on the same Sunday. No big deal, because the distance is the same.
No problem then…
However, I would like it to be so protected the methodThere are times to plan the calendar. But if we authorize a move with fixed terms, how can we deny another? Cross-country has restarted strongly, and Scotti deserves a lot of credit. But precisely because the numbers are so significant and the activity is so rich, I think we can all tolerate some date overlap.
