It cannot be said that the Dauphiné of Davide formolo was lucky. Or maybe yes, given the situation. The rider of the Movistar was involved in the huge crash that then led to the neutralization of the third stage.
«I slipped that day too – says Davide – and luckily I didn't suffer any serious injuries, but it was really unclear. Did you see that… video circulating on the internetThere you only see the last ones falling, but there were already so many ahead. We were going at 70 miles an hour and as soon as one of us touches the brakes, all the others go down.».
“Roccia” does not lose his usual good mood and despite the beatings he remains positive.
So Davide, what did you do to yourself?
A nice scratch on my right buttock and a sharp pain in my side and lower back. When I ride my bike I still feel it and honestly after a week I thought it would be less noticeable.
And now?
I trained a little slower, then I went down to Rome a couple of days ago for the CONI visits. Although we need to start showing something important first. I come down every four years, but I should do it more often: Rome is beautiful. Maybe I should come with my family.
Apart from the fall, how are you?
I have to say the first two days at Dauphiné were very good. The level was high, and on those 6 percent climbs, you had to push hard... But then, if you're not at the top, with the level there is, you pay. Now the Italian will be a good test.
So you'll be starting in Tuscany?
Normally, yes. If I'm not, it's because the pain will be so severe that I won't be able to pedal. But I don't think so, come on. Also because in Rome I took the opportunity to have a CT scan, to rule out something worse, and in fact only bruises emerged. For my part, I'm happy I held out at the Dauphiné, because it did give me something in terms of fitness. Despite everything, I came out stronger than I went in. And I did well to hold on and not go home prematurely.
And now the Tour de France: how will you go?
My job will be to help Enric Mas Nicolau and I go without any personal ambition.
Mas is a leader, but he doesn't give the guarantees of a Pogacar...
With Tadej, if we want, it was even easier, he was so strong, for this reason my task will be even more delicate and important. Be close to him, always support him.
How did you work? And how is Mas?
Well, just before Dauphiné we went to Andorra. It was a great retreat. It was good for my legs and for the group. We got to know each other better. (Formolo and Mas only raced together at the Tirreno this year, ed.) and we did a lot of "acid" together. We didn't hold back.
Have you also seen any stages?
Yes, we took the opportunity to go and see the stage with the uphill finish at Plateau de Beille.
You mentioned lactic acid and therefore a certain type of work, and you said that before the crash at the Dauphiné you were fine: but do you have the legs for a big coup?
Yup, Of course I'd like to do well, if there was the possibility, but it's not the priority. Mas is my priority. Of course, if the opportunity arises, I won't back down... terrain permitting.
Six months later, how has this team change been?
It always takes a little time to adapt, to get used to new working methods. But I have to say that I have… I found a very well-organized group, much more than you might imagine.They are precise, present…
What do you mean by new methods?
Each team has its own working methods, its own philosophy… small variations. Here, for example, the gym, which I had somewhat underestimated in the past, is a fundamental part of preparation. These are the things that make the difference: we're all at the limit, we're fighting to improve 1-2 percent, and if you make a mistake, the differences become huge.
