The news of Vincenzo's passing Albanian atArkea samsic (from next year Arkea-B&B Hotels) arrives while he is at his in-laws' house, in his Campania. At this moment the rider of the Eolo-Kometa he is resuming his preparation in a gentle manner, knowing that the first commitments will be in mid-September due to physical problems, yet another in a complicated season.
«After the Italian championships I had to have surgery on a testicle – says Albanese – it is a consequence of the accident at the beginning of the season. I knew for a long time that I had to do it, but I waited until I could close the first part of the year with the Italian championship.I don't do any specific training here, but as soon as I get home, we start again..."
When did the contacts with the French team begin?
There had been talk of it since the beginning of the season; they were pleasantly impressed by what I had done last year. Fortunately, the interest hasn't waned. even though I started competing again very late and the season went on with some good results like in Sicily, but many obstacles.
What did they offer you?
They introduced me the project they did on me before the Giro And it gave me a huge boost. I certainly couldn't say no to a WordTour team...
What is the project?
They want to bet on me for the one-day classics, they know that I'm a rider who always tends to place. This year, despite only 35 days of racing, I finished in the top 10 13 times, last year 32 times. It means bringing a lot of points to the team's cause, and that's why they intend to invest in me. Furthermore, there's the possibility of competing in France and Belgium, and I like the idea of testing myself on those courses regularly.
One-day races are fine, but Arkea is a WorldTour team, with entry into the main races on the calendar and the Grand Tours, so the Tour…
And in fact the idea of being selected for the next Tour, starting from "my" Florence, tickles me quite a bit. Racing at home for the most important race in the world is an opportunity not to be missed.Then it will be up to me to convince the bosses to join the team so I can be available to the others, but I will do everything I can to make this happen.
How is the relationship with Eolo-Kometa?
There is great mutual respect, I will never forget what these three years have been like, the patience they showed me, the seriousness of their project. I care about them, They have always been close to me even in the hardest moments.
You have been coming to the school for 4 years Bardiani not always simple…
Indeed, we can say that they were difficult years, in which I also made mistakes, but over time I learned, I acknowledged what I was doing wrong and got on the right track.Those were also useful experiences, if I've now arrived at the point of being hired by a WorldTour team it's fruit of all the journey undertaken, for better or for worse.
Do your weight problems also fall into this category?
Yes, I'm not afraid to admit it. It took me years to find my ideal weight, the right diet and in this Eolo was fundamental, through trainers and nutritionists to understand how to do it, to find the best Vincenzo. Now I am at an ideal weight of 69-70 kilos, in which I can perform better and I have to be careful to maintain this standard. These are experiences I'll take with me. I know I'm joining a team with an exceptional staff that will help me with this too.
What awaits you now?
We start again from the Giro di Toscana and then I will tackle the entire Italian season up to the end-of-season trials in Veneto, trying to make an impact as I have done so far.
How do you judge this strange vintage?
Given how it came about and what I managed to achieve, I can't complain. I still managed to be a key player, and that gives me hope. Having had a quiet winter, I think I can make an immediate impact next season.
But first, you have to finish in style with your current shirt...
Indeed I don't hide the fact that I would like to get at least one victory in the Italian classics that remainIt would be the best way to say goodbye to an important period in my life as a cyclist.
