Where did Matteo go? Scalco? Best Italian at the 2022 Junior World Championships, absolute protagonist of the Italian season with the pearls of victories at the GP Sportivi Loria, at the Corrubio-Montecchio and at the Trofeo Buffoni, the rider from Thiene has disappeared a bit from the radar. Nothing to worry about, it's a price you pay for changing category. The Venetian has in fact landed in the ranks of Green Project-Bardiani-Csf-Faizané to face his first U23 season and clearly pays the apprenticeship.
Probing his mood, you notice that not appearing high up in the arrival orders doesn't worry him, on the contrary. He knows full well that these races have served him far more than any victory. Just as he also knows that it all started with his 2022 season.
«It's been a very positive year so far – he says – considering the fact that no race has been easy. The team had set a demanding calendar, all made up of national tests, in the end I achieved 3 victories and 6 other podiums But above all, it was important for growth. The team had undertaken a demanding program with this very goal in mind."
And how do you judge your beginnings?
Let's say I got off to a good start, doing quite well in the few races I did, considering there were only 7, all between Croatia and Slovenia. However, they were elite races, so I faced very experienced people, working for the teamIn some ways, the leitmotif hasn't changed much: I keep learning.
What differences did you find?
Many, it's a very different way of running. Meanwhile there are more hours, the rhythm is profoundly different and above all it changes during the same dayWhen you turn on the gas, you "hit" it, you certainly can't hide...
By joining Green Project, and especially in the top category, the concept of cycling also changes, becoming more of a team sport…
True, but already at the Borgo Molino this setting was there, especially mentally. We helped each other out while running, and sometimes we even worked for a teammate.. It is clear however that here everything is different, there are consolidated choices, like at the Istrian Spring Trophy where everyone worked for Martinelli who ultimately came close to the podium. The races are definitely more "managed" than they used to be.
Does the fact that you're no longer as high up in the rankings weigh on you?
No, I knew that by moving up a category you would be returning to the initial ranks a bit. I'm in my first year, I have a lot to learnWe must not forget that this is a delicate year because I still have school and exams in June and this affects training. For example, in winter there weren't many hours available to go out on the bike before dark, considering school was in session.This too is a toll to pay.
Does school also influence the choice of competitions to take part in?
A little. The schedule is pretty "soft," for me and for two other guys in my same situation. We're not competing at a particularly high level. For example, in Croatia and Slovenia we found more experienced riders, and that had a bit of an effect on me.Now it's the turn of the classics in our category calendar, such as the Trofeo Piva, the Giro del Belvedere, the Corsa di San Vendemiano... Then in May we'll head to the Carpathians for a 5-day stage race.
Regardless of the results, are you also noticing changes physically?
Yes, first of all for a physical factor considering that I'm 18 years old. I've grown even taller and pay more attention to my weight.: until last year I relied a bit on the notions that circulate in the group, now I have a nutritionist who follows me and the changes are noticeable. Then the preparation also changed. Now Paolo follows me. Artuso who adapted the tables to my age and category, with more volumes and intensitiesIt's clear, as I said, that this is an atypical year, but I can already see the effects in terms of performance.
You mentioned stage races earlier. Last year you achieved more success in the road races, but you also took home a second place at the Giro della Valdera. Do you feel suited to multi-day races?
It's a question I ask myself too. As a junior, I only faced three, which wasn't enough to give a clear answer. I think I'm recovering well and this is a plus, but it depends a lot on the routes.We'll see, I'm curious to know.
