The closure of the youth sector by SC Padovani in favor of the continental team had led many young players to suddenly find themselves without a team. A situation that opened the heart and the doors of Campana Imballaggi and Alessandro Coden. In fact, after a discussion with sponsors and collaborators, the student training was born Campana ImballaggiThe reference figure will be Massimo Finamoni, sport director of the category at Padovani and he also migrated to Trentino as a cyclist after the team closed down (opening by Stefano Colombo/Cyclingshoots).
«I just arrived at the office – says Finamoni – today (yesterday for those reading, ed.) it's raining and the boys aren't training, I have a heart too (he says with a laugh, ed.). I still have a lot of commitments though, as I have to take the bikes to the mechanic.».
The call of the boys
Finamoni has linked his passion for cycling to the youth categories. As soon as he speaks, he immediately makes it clear that being involved in the personal and athletic growth of these kids gives him something unique.
«Before coaching the students – explains Finamoni – I was with the beginners and on my journey I also passed through the junior category. But the dimension that I like the most and that fulfills me on a personal level is that of beginners and students.I feel like a cycling educator, and that gives me a great desire to work and make myself available. I understand the importance of my role in the growth and maturation of young people."
Was Padovani's closure a cold shower?
In a certain sense, yes, but on the other hand the team had been burned by the choice of some boys who had decided to change their jerseys suddenly. After many disappointments and thanks to the interest of some sponsors, they decided to permanently create the continental project.
How did the boys take the choice?
Some didn't know where to turn considering they had always been at Padovani. There were reactions of blind anger at the root of which I understood there was frustration.I always say that kids' thoughts are like oil, they always come to the surface. Luckily, a solution has been found.
So you took the boys and went to the Bell…
I could have also continued working at Padovani, they had offered me to stay and be part of the continental staff. I found myself a bit between a rock and a hard place with six kids who would become sophomores without a team.While looking for accommodation, I spoke with Alessandro Coden, who told me he was willing to take them all.
And you went too.
I thought about it for a moment, actually almost nothing, and I entered the Campana Imballaggi. I wanted to stay with the young people, I am aware that this is my place. I thanked Galdino Peruzzo, the president, and the Vice-Presidents Alberto Ongarato and Martino Scarso for the offer but I followed my heart. I want to teach cycling, when you enter big teams you can't do that, but that's how it should be.
What does it mean to teach cycling to students?
Show him and explain to him how to eat, train or how to approach a competition. Young riders people trust their role model completely and this creates a very beautiful bond.Now that it's cold, they ask me if they should wear gloves, or which jacket. If you ride in a continental environment, the rider knows what he has to do, and it's right that it should be that way. And then there's another aspect.
What?
My son, who was at Padovani with me, is 18. I made this choice to come to Campana also for him. In this way I can teach them what it means to manage a team and what are the important aspects to take care of.. Coden and all the sponsors of the Campana Imballaggi They gave me a blank board to draw on. He also treats all his athletes equally.: from students to the under 23/elite team.
You will have a team of eight guys, Coden told us…
And there could have been many more. We have received about twenty requests, most of which could not be accepted.
When do you start the season?
March 22nd is less than a month away. We're excited.
