Matteo Fabbro he succeeded in the feat of beating Filippo Conca in knowing that you are going to Return. For Filippo, the call came at 12 noon on August 14th, and for Matteo, it was on the morning of August 15th. But the important thing is to be there!
The Friulian of the Bora Hansgrohe, in the opening image busy with the ritual photos before a big event, was called for the forfeit of Emmanuel BuchmanWhen things go like this, the rapprochement can't be the best. But that doesn't mean Matteo won't give it his all.
Hunger for climbers
And the team is also well aware that Fabbro hasn't prepared them perfectly. But he remains the climber the German team needed most.
«Matteo will participate in the Vuelta – the sport director told us Gasparotto – his presence was a last-minute decision due to Buchmann's withdrawal, caused by an infection. This is Matteo's first major Giro this season. He had had to give up the Giro d'Italia due to physical problems that had compromised his preparation".
«Initially we decided to keep more or less the same climbers who had done the Giro. With Buchmann we would have had 3-4 riders ready for the general classification, without Emanuel we lose a potential GC man but Matteo will be able to lend a hand and I'm sure he will do it well."
Those jobs at height
And what does Fabbro say? "I," explains the Friulian, "hope I'm ready. My Giro post was ultimately focused on this event. At first I was in the team for the Vuelta, then I wasn't… The problem is that having raced shortly after the Giro and there being no races during the Tour, I wasn't able to do much and demonstrate much. For my part, I've worked hard and aim to be competitive, very competitive."
After the Giro, Fabbro trained in Andorra. He was actually with the Tour team. He rode the Dauphiné, but knew he wouldn't be able to compete in the Grande Boucle. Then he moved to Livigno, where he stayed for a long time.
«And there – explains Fabbro – I worked hard trying to make up for the lack of running with high intensity workouts.".
And this is a bit of a departure from what practically all the other pros have told us, namely that at altitude they've focused on quantity and not quality. Also because there's a risk of doing more harm than good.
«I did it behind the bike, but mostly at home, While I did some intense work at high altitude, for this type of session I went down to a lower altitude. Or not above 1.600 meters. I was cycling in the Bormio, Valdidentro area. I was doing work towards Bormio 2000 or up to the middle of the Stelvio.
For the team and beyond
As we were saying, Fabbro learned very late that he would have to fly to Holland. Having worked hard and well, however, is more than a consolation when setting off on a major Giro. His conscience is clear, but above all, his legs are clear, and he knows he can do well.
«When I found out – Fabbro says – I was on the Carpegna, I was training and I also broke the gearbox. Let's just say I wasn't in the best mood at the time! Then the phone rang, they told me about the Vuelta and I recovered the day! I honestly hoped so…».
But returning to the topic of "doing well" this definition has many facets and Fabbro with Hindley e higuita he risks having little space in the team.
«We have a strong team. There is a sprinter of the calibre like Sam Bennett and there are three top-ranked men like Hindley, Higuita and Kelderman…and I understand I might not have much space. But without Buchmann, there's one less player in the standings. I think we'll take it one day at a time, and today's team time trial will already be important for the overall standings. If it rains it will be very dangerous as the Utrecht route is technical."
«There is no shortage of mountains in this Vuelta and if there is an opportunity I will be ready to take advantage of it. Of course, if we go to the jersey it will be difficult and I will have to stay close to the captain. But I'll still have the chance to show off my skills by pulling hard in the mountains. Just as great athletes have done in the past, and as my trainer tells me. Sylwester Szmyd, he was an excellent rider even though he was a domestique."
