Check the bike categories box.PRO in the “News" and "Professionals" talking about Riccardo Lucca fills our hearts with joy. "It happens to those who believe in it" this is how we could define the Odyssey of Lucca, which in 2023 will be in the ranks of the Bardiani CSF Faizanè, which in the new season will change nameThe Trentino native from Rovereto entered the professional world at the age of 25. Late if we consider the average of the last few seasons, but dreams and destiny don't just watch the days or months, they pass, even when you least expect it.
The long-awaited winter
This winter, which cannot yet be called winter given the abnormal temperatures, is a certainty for Lucca. He made it, but we start again from here, woe betide anyone who thinks they've arrived.
"After the races," he tells us from his home, "I took a long break. Enough, I needed a break. I didn't go on vacation, I didn't have the chance. I looked for someone to go away with for a while, then I decided to enjoy the tranquility of home.We were renovating and I stayed here to work, we demolished some walls (he says laughing, ed.). I started doing something these days: a bit of running, some walking in the mountains, but nothing specialThe first training camp with the team will be in mid-December."
A “light” summer
On August 19th, on the team's social media Reverbs, the news of Lucca's signature has arrived. Great news, for many reasons.The first is definitely personal for the rider. The second is for all the other elites: never stop believing.
«At the end of June I had the first contacts with Bardiani – says Lucca – and I was planning a test with Pino Toni, then postponed due to Covid. Having a contract for 2023 made me live the last months here at Work Service consciouslyThe goal of my last seasons had finally been achieved, this allowed me to go to the races with a clear head. This "carefree" attitude allowed me to win again in season.
«When I found the signed contract in front of me I took a deep breath (he says laughing, no one can take away his good mood now, ed.). I really sweated it, so many images went through my mindWhat I did before cannot be erased, in fact, it must help me remember where I started from."
Professionalism
Lucca has raced there with the professionals, his experience will not be a "from scratch". Indeed, his greatest victory came precisely among the greats, All 'Adriatica Ionica Race, in sunny Sirolo.
«The level will certainly rise further compared to the races done up to now, when a professional races among the greats it raises expectations. I'm arriving at a more mature age, I don't know if this can be an advantage or not, it depends on many thingsAt 25, I have a greater awareness of my qualities and characteristics, I feel more confident and prepared. I will tackle longer races, with mileages I've never done, even in training, and more challenging stage races. There will be no shortage of room for growth».
Contessa's Revenge
«Riccardo could be a very good domestique for a WorldTour team, let's hope he can at least try in a professional team». These words Contessa, sports director of Work Service, after Lucca's victory at the AIR.
"He's very happy for me," Riccardo says, "and I'm happy for him. This was our revenge; Contessa always believed in me. We had already worked together when I was in my fourth year, in 2019He promised me that we would work together to get me through and If we hadn't succeeded it would have been a double defeat: for me and for him too.. We finally made it, even though it took a few years. The nice thing is that when I returned to Work Service, I didn't know he would be there too, Perhaps fate has brought us together to keep that promise made a few years ago.».
