With 2021 Alessandro Fedeli he closed his experience at Dello: 49 days of racing in the last of three seasons, the cold numbers are merciless, with only one Top 10 achieved, but numbers often don't tell the whole story and in his case they would lead to wrong conclusions.The 25-year-old from Negrar is the first to “censor” himself, so much so that he has no qualms about calling his last year “disgusting,” but there is one factor to consider: the financial crisis that has overwhelmed the French team.
Luckily for him, Fedeli has already secured a contract for next season, landing at Gazprom Rusvelo. The Russian coaches believe a lot in him and have been able to go beyond those cold numbers of 2021, he is still the man who dominated the 2018 GP Liberazione, who in his first two seasons at Delko had managed to achieve 3 successes (without considering the difficulties linked to Covid), in short they see untapped potential.
«I reached an agreement with them already in August – says Fedeli – knowing about the difficulties of the French team: I'm very sorry that things ended so badly, I don't even care about the economic aspect considering that the team went bankrupt, What hurt me was the uncertainty that reigned throughout the year, allowing us to do few races and affecting my preparation.If you train without a goal, if the calendar changes continuously, it is normal for your performance to fluctuate."
So do you think your 2021 performance, which was lower than previous years, was due to this?
Certainly, I have never had the pedal stroke as I say. I never really went fast and certainly my mental state had a big influence. We need to put everything behind us, start from scratch, setting aside the good things that have come from these three years.
Was there any?
Yes, and this only adds to the disappointment. I had a great time at Delko for the first two years, it was really like being at home, a great environment. I still had one year left on my contract, and if it hadn't been for the problems that led to the bankruptcy, I would have gladly stayed. It was the French management themselves who left us free to find another solution at the end of the season.
So you move on to Gazprom, you know that the Russian leaders have expressed very flattering words about you…
I'm pleased, I know they appreciate it and I know I'll find an equally efficient and welcoming environment. I know some of the team's riders. Canola, we often crossed paths with the others at the races, especially with the other Italians in the group. I think the right mix will be created to start growing again.
By the way, you moved to Gazprom while keeping the same bikes you had at Delko, the Look…
Yes, that should be the case and that would be a good thing, but the team told us to wait to talk about it until they make the deal official.
Do you already know what will be asked of you?
We still have to talk about programs, what I can say is that I have never had such a desire to run, to test myself, to emerge, perhaps precisely because of how things ended in 2021 And for that thrill that runs down your spine when you're fighting for victory, something I've missed. A lot will depend on the schedule, but I want to be ready straight away.
Looking closely at your still young career, you're a rider who emerges especially in the second part of the season...
Actually, from the summer onwards I've been able to get the best out of it, but I also won in the first part, in fact in 2019 in Rwanda I achieved success in the first race of the seasonIt depends a lot on what kind of calendar we do.
Do you prefer Italian or foreign races?
I have no doubts, the latter. In France, for example, the races are much more lively, where you have to always be on edge, mentally alert above all. In Italy, the races are mostly raced at the end, the battle is mostly at the end, and the pace of the races follows a more predetermined script. Abroad, I feel much better; I know I'll be able to repay the coaches' trust there, and I'm already working towards that.
