Sometimes you need a sign to understand that bad luck is behind you. So For Baroncini, the call-up to the European Championships in Munich has become the guiding light to relaunch the season. The Romagnolo, U23 world champion in Leuven 2021, he dived into his first year as a pro with the right boldness to leave a mark. However, fate presented him with a cruel bill. First with a sore knee, then with the fall in the Algarve and the fracture of the radiusFilippo is not the type to let himself get down and usually he starts again stronger from the falls, but certainly morally it wasn't easy. Here because the beautiful words of Luca Guercilena e Bennati's attentions After finishing fifth in the Italian championship, they made him understand that the turning point could be near.
«I had never spoken to Bennati – says the rider of the Trek-Segafredo – outside of a few messages. I discovered a reasonable and super helpful personI joined his project and the Italian language was the confirmation that perhaps I really do have some qualities."
How are you?
Well, I finally have a good feeling. I'm a horse who couldn't wait to run. Little by little everything is falling into place and the condition has also arrived. I am convinced that without the arm injury, it would have been different. But now the blue jersey is a great satisfactionFor us Italians, that jersey is special. We are attached to it. It gives me the effect of multiplying my strength..
Was it difficult to start again?
I'm not one to give up and I've always thought it was bad luck. When that happens, it makes me angry and motivates me even more. But starting over is still tough. It's best not to think about it and just work. Seize opportunities as they come. The mental part does a lotThose who get discouraged work twice as hard.
When was there a truly strong Baroncini this year?
In my opinion, at the Tour d'Occitanie. I was in very good condition and that was a real period of rebirthYou can have good feelings even in training, but in racing it's different. And there in France I felt strong even on the climbsI was fine.
What do you expect from the Europeans?
I go to work and to play the joker. I will do whatever is asked of meWe're not the national team that will have to shoot, so there can be different roles. We will be an aggressive national team, but if needed, the legs to shoot are there, between me, Ganna and Milan.
Did you also talk to Bennati about the World Cup?
Something yes, but I prefer to take one step at a timeSo after the European Championships I'll go to Poitou Charentes, then to Plouay. Then we'll have to figure out what to do for Australia, and then we'll work to have a great September.
Is the goal still to win?
I don't back down, especially in this cycling where no one waits for anyone. You have to take every opportunity and I don't think I'm the type to piss myself.I have the leg, otherwise Bennati wouldn't have called me for the European Championships.
