Having worked off the last efforts of the Giro d'Italia, Damian Caruso He stopped for a while and recovered for his next commitments. The Sicilian rider is now with his teammates in Livigno, at altitude he trains and prepares for the second part of the season. Meanwhile the boys of the Team Bahrain Victorious follow the efforts of the companions engaged in the Tour de France.
«Today (Sunday, ed.) Mohoric he tried – says Caruso – he had a good stage, In the end, a real climber won: WoodsMichelino (Landa, ed.) has taken another beating, perhaps he should reset everything and try to win a stageThis year I'm experiencing the Tour as a fan, I haven't studied it much, I sit in front of the screen and say: "Let's see what's on today". But I do remember one stage, the Col de la Loze, with the finish in Courchevel. I can see Mikel there well.».
Back to school
Damiano Caruso, however, before crossing the boot in the direction Livigno, was the protagonist of a beautiful gesture in his Ragusa. The Sicilian returned to school to help a boy with his middle school exams.The reason? The protagonist of this essay was Caruso himself.
«In that school, theVann'Antò Comprehensive Institute from Ragusa – says Caruso – I also graduated, now 20 years ago. A month ago a professor contacted me asking if I wanted to attend this boy's exam. who had chosen me as the subject of his exam. The professor himself is a cycling enthusiast, and when this boy wanted to write a thesis on the sport, my name came up. I am one of the few riders who has remained to live in the city where he was born. and this made me the athlete of choice. When I was told the boy's choice, I thought it was nice to be present at his exam."
What was it like to see yourself spoken about in such a context?
Quite exciting, I must admit. The boy told me about my career by connecting it to the subjects I studied.For example, geography combined my six participations in the Tour de France. Personally, it was a special moment, when a boy chooses you as a positive reference it's beautifulNot so much for me, but for the fact of choosing an athlete, a healthy lifestyle, made of sacrifices and passion.
Did he ask you any questions?
He was very curious about my lifestyle, He asked me how I manage my nutrition and how I train.He wanted to know how many kilometers I do in a year, we even started asking questions in English. In the end my career was a common thread throughout his exam, I couldn't help but thank him for choosing me. I even made him a promise.
What?
At the end of the season, I'll try to contact him again, and maybe we'll go for a ride together. That's how we said goodbye, with my compliments and a sincere thank you.
So the boy rides a bike?
No, that's the beautiful thing. He chose me even though he doesn't ride a bike.For me it was a reason for reflection and "pride" because the boy chose a healthy and professional figure. In my career I have always thought that work, sacrifice and dedication are important in everyday life.It's not an easy choice that leads to results, but everything comes after a lot of work.
Speaking of work, you're now preparing the second part of the season. How's it going?
After the Giro I stopped for a month, but I wasn't too tired; in fact, after a week without my bike, I started pedaling again. The important thing was to maintain a thread of condition to arrive at this retreat in good shape.On the 21st we return home and then I will leave for the Tour de Pologne, the Vuelta a Burgos and finally the Vuelta Espana.
Was doing two major stage races on the agenda since the beginning of the season?
We'd been talking about it with the team since the winter. As a rider, I'm best at stage races. In April and May I finished third in Romandie and then fourth at the Giro, So we've had confirmation of that. Now we're working to achieve a second peak in form and we'll head to the Vuelta, but I'll say it right away: I won't be worrying about the classification. I will aim for some milestonesa, at my age it's difficult to take care of the classification in two Grand Tours.
Will you be supporting someone?
It's hard to say before the Tour ends, maybe Landa will turn to the Vuelta, but we can't say yet. Or the leaders will be Tiberi e BuitragoIt hurts to say: also Mader he could have taken care of the ranking…
What was it like starting over after that tragedy?
The morale boost was profound; we riders are used to saying goodbye and seeing each other again after weeks or months. The brain struggles to realize that Gino I will never see him againEven now that we are in retreat my mind says: «He is not there because he is running somewhere». But then when you're still you realize and you risk going crazyEven just reading the dedication on the shirt makes me incredibly sad. It's sad, but the fact that he is no longer here is something we have to accept..
