When packing your suitcase for the expected high altitude period, Tour of Italy, Filippo Fiorelli he also put into it a lot of thoughts and dreams that arose from this first part of the season. A really intense first part for the Sicilian, who has totalled something like 31 days of racing, travelling between Spain and the United Arab Emirates at the beginning with little personal satisfaction but many kilometres put into the legs and the fruits were seen later.
Back in Europe in fact, the rider of the VF Group Bardiani he started to grow in condition, achieving a Top 10 at Tirreno Adriatico, defending himself more than well in the French classics post Classicissima andfinally archiving a second part of April as a prominent rider, never leaving the top 8 and playing an absolute leading role in the Tour of Abruzzo, closed with the victory in the points classification as a testament to his consistency of performance.
Important results especially in projection, as the Palermo native explains from his retirement: «I'm glad that my always being ahead has been noticed, but on the other hand it would have been difficult not to notice that I have always been in the thick of racing, probably like never before. I also found myself fighting for the rankings, which is something completely new for me. and which, even in the final stages in Abruzzo, I didn't think about that much."
What is the reason for this leap in quality?
I worked well over the winter, calmly, without any major changes but completing all the work without any obstacles. I saw that things were going well at the Tirreno-Adriatico where with a very high level of competitors, on the climbs I always remained in the group of the best until the final stages. I ran there without any particular ambitions other than to train well, yet I managed to place there too. And it opened the door...
In Abruzzo, you said you didn't look at the standings, yet you were there and finished fifth. Does that mean you'll start thinking about it?
No, I remain the Fiorelli I was before. Anyone who wants to leave his mark on a single event, whether it's a road race or a stage. Placements are good and boost morale, but I'm looking for the victory I've been missing for two years now, also to repay the sacrifices made not only by me, but also by my girlfriend, my family, and the team. These are thoughts I always carry with me...
You're among the oldest on the team, despite only being 30. Among so many young people, including some who have just come of age. They look to you as their spiritual leader, and how does this role dovetail with the role of team leader?
To tell the truth, I don't feel old, also because I've only been racing for a relatively short time, in the sense that I didn't go through the youth categories; I started straight away in my second year in the U23 category. Instead, I see that there are guys around me who were practically born on bikes and who, paradoxically, despite being younger, boast more years of experience in the saddle. I am not a Visconti or Well I live They can pass on so much more experience. Then, compared to when I started, I see that many things have changed, from methods to nutrition. I can say that many kids are even more prepared than I am. I can be helpful during the competition, perhaps suggesting a few tricks, but what matters is that there is harmony and collaboration.
Now you're facing the Giro d'Italia, where wildcards like yours usually liven up the early stages of the race. Will that be the case this year, and will it be the same for you?
It's a matter of interpretation. We're not just breaking away to show off, but to liven up the race and stir things up. Results are important for us too. For example, I want to go to the Giro with the dream of victory, also because I think winning a stage there is easier than in a one-off race, where everyone has the same goal.The Giro d'Italia has balances that change from time to time, depending on the goals of individual riders and teams. I'm currently at altitude to maintain and, if possible, improve my condition because I want to experience great emotions at the Giro d'Italia.
Have you already figured out which stages are best for you?
I only saw the beginning, The Albanian part and the first stage seem ideal for me, but I know that many will look at that stage because wearing the first pink jersey is tempting for everyoneI have to study the program carefully, looking for the right stages so as not to overexert myself in the days leading up to it and prepare the right tactics. Having the standings already drawn up will certainly be helpful.
Why do you like the first stage so much?
Because it's a stage where I don't think pure sprinters will be able to be protagonists. There are 5 kilometers of climbing where I think people like Pedersen e Van Aert It will make the difference, it will impose a high pace. In the meantime, I want to show that I can handle that pace, after all, it's a bit of my strong point to be able to hold up the climbs and still be fast.In a small group, I can play my cards right. I say anything can happen…
