Our appointment with Christian Scaroni It consists of a call scheduled for around 10 a.m. The time is slightly delayed due to prolonged airport procedures. Scaroni has just landed in Naples, where he will stay for just under a week, to enjoy some warmth and a well-deserved holiday. Far from the worries and anxieties that had characterised his season up until his signing with theAstana and to debut in Poland.
How are these holidays going?
Good! After the last race, the Veneto Classic I ran on October 16th, and did a few more bike rides, until October 20th or so. I took advantage of my leg a bit and enjoyed some nice, relaxed rides.From then on I took some time to be with my family and friends, and now I'm here in Naples.
When will you start training again?
There's no talk of it until November 7th, the next day the routine will begin again. I will start by doing many different activities, also to avoid over-stressing my mind. I'll do some gym work, some mountain biking, and running, but I'll keep my racing bike to a minimum. In my area (in the Brescia area, ed.) there are many paths and the possibility of varying between many activities.
And with the team?
The first retreat is already scheduled, We will be in Calpe on December 5th, and the foundations for the new season will be laid.
We met at your debut at the Tour de Pologne, how did the season continue?
In Poland, I got off to a good start, taking a solid sixth place in a tight sprint on the fourth stage. I continued to perform well in the following races: Hamburg and the Bretagne Classic. I felt that the condition was growing day by day, then returning from Canada, I took a swab because I wasn't feeling very well and tested positive for Covid.
Another stop in a season already full of stops...
Yes, it wasn't great, but that's how it went. I found myself chasing fitness again. In agreement with the team, we preferred to run immediately after I tested negative., also to add volume and to get used to being in a group with my teammates.
Also because you found yourself from a situation of uncertainty to racing in the WorldTour, how was it?
Despite my less than stellar physical condition, I found myself running at a very high level, as is only right. I'd call it a new experience, and I can say I performed well in all the races. In these 3 months I cared about running, I went to races where the team needed it mostIn the end I was happy with the calendar, I did all the most important races, including the Lombardia (in the opening photo).
Now that you're in the WorldTour, you'll want to prove you can stay there...
Obviously, I turned pro with Gazprom in 2020, and with the pandemic I practically didn't race. In 2021 I did a few more races and then the fateful 2022 arrivedI lacked consistency, racing allows you to raise your level a lot. I'm 25 years old and I've never had the chance to do a major Giro, you've seen how competing in races like that... help to grow. Just look Zana that after the Tour of Italy won theAIR and Italian championship.
Have you spoken to the team yet?
I spoke a little with “Zazà” (Stefano Zanini(ed.) and asked me what I would like to do. I replied that I'm still an undiscovered rider. I have no idea what my field is, I hope to find it next yearNow that I'm racing for a team like Astana, I'll be much more closely followed and will be able to better understand myself. One wish would be to I'll do the Giro d'Italia, we'll see if I deserve the call-up.
How does it feel to spend this holiday knowing you'll be racing next season?
It's nice, I know what to expect in the next few months. In the first half of 2022 I didn't have a plan, now I know what I'll be doing as early as DecemberI'll have concrete goals. All of this will help me stay focused. I have to tell you the truth, going on holiday with this certainty makes me feel good about myself.If I hadn't had a contract, I wouldn't have even gone on holiday – he says laughing, finally we say – now I enjoy cycling more, I have some motivation that I was a bit lacking before…
Before, you left to prove you deserved a team, now where will you look for motivation?
My main goal is to prove that I didn't get here by chance, I want to bring results to the team. I'm not a person who likes to lose (and the season just ended is proof of this, ed.). I will be available to my teammates when needed but I would like to play my cardsAstana comes out of a difficult season, the team's objective must be to return to racing to win.
