The interview given a few weeks ago from Eros Capecchi has caused a stir in the Umbrian cycling community and beyond. The former pro, the representative of the youth technical sector of the regional committee, stated bluntly that the budget cuts by the federation have significantly affected his workThe President of the Maximum Committee Students He didn't want to let the coach's ideas sink in too much and asked us to share his thoughts. It was an opportunity to discuss how a peripheral facility, in a region with little tradition of road cycling (Umbria is, also due to its geographical location, ideal terrain for mountain biking), manages to thrive these days.
"Our results are there for all to see," Alunni began, "especially when compared to the size of our movement. The two Italian cyclocross titles are the tip of the iceberg of a series of excellent results and I would like to highlight the placings obtained on the track, considering that we don't have our own facility. We've also received many compliments from other regional entities, and this trend is the result of the work of the companies and their technicians. We can only provide development opportunities to all sectors within our means."
How much of an impact has Eros Capecchi's contribution had on the youth sector's development in these short four years, considering that COVID-19 has taken away a year of activity?
A lot, because it changed the expectations of the boys, who were certainly impressed by having the prestige and wisdom of a former professional who recently closed his career at their disposal. It was an added value, as was Monia Bacaille at the helm of the track sector. The results are the expression of their work; it's an advantage to have such role models to follow. It's no coincidence that we have such a strong and, above all, numerous 2004-2005 generation, considering the small size of the movement. We too have had a decline, but if Lombardy and its catchment area are affected, that's one thing; for us, even a minimal percentage matters.
The problem, however, as Capecchi underlined, is the budget…
We know it well, my policy is to invest almost everything we have in the growth of children, but if money is scarce we can do little. We have lost part of the contribution of theHarp which went from 22 thousand euros to 7 thousand. Considering these and the federal contributions, we have little room for maneuver and for this reason I personally have started working to find new resources.There's no shortage of expenses on the other side. For example, we work on the track in Forano, which we share with Lazio, but we don't just pay rent. We also reimburse clubs for mileage for running there, and imagine how much it costs to travel there and back from Città di Castello...
In his interview, Capecchi complained about how contributions to his sector had decreased over the course of three years…
Unfortunately, it's true, but it wasn't due to a lack of willpower. Let me give you an example: We had won the opportunity to bring 25 kids to the Regions Trophy in Friuli, but the all-inclusive trip would have cost 4 thousand euros, an amount we couldn't afford so we reluctantly had to give it up.
Is your voice being heard at the national level?
Little. I and other colleagues have repeatedly pointed out to the management that there is a disproportion between how much is spent on high-level cycling and on the grassroots, when in fact it is the grassroots on which everything depends and which needs more supportEven some grants that were given for specific projects have diminished with the decline of sponsors. I've worked to find help that sometimes isn't even quantifiable in terms of money, but even water, milk, and trophies for awards are expenses we save.
It's also true, however, that companies face a problem with activity, with a calendar that's too dry, especially when compared to mountain biking...
We know this, but this is the result of the general economic situation. The companies are in difficulty, those that organized competitions are not able to make it considering that even the simplest event starts from 4-5 thousand euros.Now we've reached one race per category, which is too little. For example, I remember a major event that took place in Foligno, a national race, but with the organizer's death, no one took over and the event disappeared. It's not just our problem: we need to work as a team with Abruzzo, Marche, and Lazio; for example, we've managed the calendar so as not to overlap.
In mountain biking, there are circuits that bring together events from these very regions. Why can't we do the same on the road, perhaps by providing contributions to clubs to participate in the stages of a category-specific challenge designed throughout central Italy?
It would be a good idea if this guaranteed an adequate number of participants for each race. Speaking of mountain biking, we've finally managed to include a specific race for beginners and juniors in each Granfondo, a project we've had for years, and considering that almost everyone does both, this has been a huge help for the youth sector.
Once the Olympics are over, the election campaign will begin. Do you want to continue?
Maybe not personally, but Our group wants to continue to achieve further results, adapting a new program to the current difficulties. It is clear, however, that everything depends on finding more funds.
