Masnada and the Grand Tours. For Ellena, it's a challenge that can be met.

The anticipation is growing and if we want the curiosity to see Fausto Masnada attempt to rank in a Grand Tour. The latest investiture came from Alessandro ballan, who told us last week that the rider of the Quick Step-Alphavinyl could take this opportunity to Giro d'Italia.

And the hypothesis of the former world champion is more than plausible. If you browse the team's roster Patrick Lefebvre In the end, there's no real leader. The team is packed with stage hunters and sprinters. Those who could aim for a great Giro are evenepoel, but with big question marks as he hasn't completed one yet, and Mattia Cattaneo, which would appear to be diverted to the Tour.

We asked those who had Fausto in their hands, those who saw him arrive as a "child" and go like a true rider: John Ellena, sports director of Drone Hopper – Androni Giocattoli, at the time Masnada's team.

So Giovanni, can Masnada really make the rankings?

If you had asked me this question a few years ago I would have said no. Fausto wouldn't have had this prospect. Now, however, given his improvements, 99% due to his stubbornness as a true Bergamasco, I say yes.

From a pure Bergamasco!

And thank goodness he's so stubborn, I'd say! Fausto has improved on climbs and time trials, and he can do it. And guys, a Grand Tour is long: it's 21 days of racing, plus the days leading up to it, rest periods, and it's possible that he might lose his head. And that's why there are few who can rank in the Grand Tours.

And do you think Masnada can jump head first?

As I said, it's tough. The fact that he's improved so much today makes him more self-aware and confident. And it's easier to manage. Crises can happen, but if I know my worth, I don't blow up. It's hard to say. I met Fausto when he was just starting his pro career and he had a different mentality. He didn't really know how far he could go either. – Ellena pauses – but in all this talk one thing comes to mind.

What?

Do you realize that now we are here talking about Masnada doing the classification in a big Giro and was this boy in danger of not getting through? He was on the verge of quitting. What risks are there in Italy? How many young people have been lost like this? In the winter of 2017 Antonio Bevilacqua (Masnada's team manager at Colpack at the time, ed.) called me every other day and said: take him, take him. This is good. Yes, he's a bit "old" and the big teams don't consider him, but you'll see, he'll do well.

Luckily you listened to him... You said earlier that Masnada has improved and that you wouldn't have seen the Fausto of that time in terms of the standings: but how much and how has he improved? 

I don't know how much or how. I don't have his data on hand now. I could "steal" some from Strava, but they wouldn't be accurate anyway. I can say, however, that his muscle mass is different. Just look at the photos. He probably weighs the same, but he's lost fat mass in favor of lean mass. And that's also why he climbs faster...

Also?

Being more aware he also improved mentally And on climbs, more than anywhere else, it's often the ability to persevere that makes the difference. It's a mental issue. You're at your limit, but so is the person next to you. And often, it takes nothing for one of you to give up. And the further I go, the more convinced I am of the potential of the mind. When I was racing, I believed that the mind accounted for 20 percent and the legs for 80 percent. When I got into the team car, I changed to 50-50. Now I say that the mind accounts for 80 percent and the legs for 20 percent.

A clear change that you emphasize with a certain certainty. Why?

Look, I have seen first hand some riders, which I cannot tell you clearly, with higher values ​​than those of Bernal, but almost no one knows who they are. Almost unknown riders. This realization leads to the Masnada of the situation.

In the next Giro, where there doesn't seem to be a clear winner, is a top five finish in Verona possible for Masnada?

In my opinion, yes. Then we also need to see how much support the team will give him, but if they want at Quick Step-Alphavinyl they are well organized and know how to manage stress. If he were still with us, in some respects, I admit, he would be a bit “lonely”.

Have you looked at the route? Are there any stops that might be particularly suitable for Fausto?

For good luck, while I wait for the announcement of the wildcard entries for the Giro, I haven't elaborated on my analysis. I know the stage that reaches Cogne a little better because it starts from my home. And the final climb is rideable. On a gradient like that, Fausto can do well.

Masnada isn't suitable for Zoncolan-style slopes, so to speak?

No, those aren't his climbs, the ones where he can make the difference, but only for obvious physical reasons as I mentioned before.