OPFIKON (Switzerland) – Ulissi and Lorenzo Finn they crossed paths on the evening of the Genoese's victory in the junior world championship (opening image from video Lello Ferrara/FCI). It was since 2007, precisely. from Diego's second world championship victory that Italy did not win that jersey and it seemed to some to be a singular coincidence.
“Things don’t happen by chance,” smiles the Livorno native. “I think I also brought Lorenzo luck, seeing as I arrived that same evening. I knew I was the last one to win the junior world championship.The other day the boys and I connected to watch the race and I realized how much time has passed. If I look back at those photos, we were just kids.. Immature in many ways and aware that we still had a long apprenticeship to go through before we could face the professional world and be competitive. Now the most talented juniors are taken and placed in satellite teamsAnd already at 19 years old they are already racing among the professionals. I see it well at UAE. They mature much faster, even physically, and they are immediately ready to win."
It's almost strange to hear this guy talk like this 35 year old boy, met when he was also a junior. There are 15 years of professionalism in his legs, and in his gaze there are many stories yet to be told. Bennati brought him to the World Cup trusting in his experience, seeing in him a leader and an inspirer for the boys' band that makes up our national team here at the World Cup Zurich 2024.
The World Championship is here. What did you think of the circuit after tasting it?
It's a pretty demanding circuit, I think. Especially the first part, immediately after the finish, with the steep climb and then immediately the second climbIt's at least 12-13 minutes of full effort and then there are more steep sections after the descents, which will certainly stretch the group and cause difficulties.
Bennati says he found Ulissi to be much more solid than other times in the past, when at the World Cup you were among the first to have to move.
It's normal that after ten, fifteen years you mature and have more experience. Especially at 35 years old, in such a young team, I can certainly try to help them and give some useful advice.I still feel good physically, so I think I can be a great support for the national team.
What could be your role in a race like this?
We will surely have two or three riders who will wait the longest for the finale. And then riders like me and others maybe with whom we will have to try to anticipate in order to enter into some important action.
You know Pogacar well, you even helped him win some great races, the question everyone is asking is whether he can be beaten.
I've heard the various arguments about tactics and trying to anticipate him. Ma Tadej when he's well he's unpredictable, maybe he's the one who gets there first. If he understands that there are too many national teams that can attack him, he could even start from very far awayHe's the strongest rider in the world, on a course I think he particularly likes. But we definitely have to run our own race, we won't look so much at what he does and let's all try to do well together.
From rider to rider, is there any indication that he might be in trouble or is he just another unreadable opponent?
It's unreadable. I think he'll try to control the first half of the match with the men he has. Let's not forget that He has two teammates like Tratnik and Novak who will surely be there in the hottest phases and will be able to help himThen when he finds the opportunity to attack, whether it's a long or short time away, he certainly won't wait too long.
Have you ever imagined yourself with your arms raised at the arrival of this World Cup?
No. I'm 35 years old after all, you have to be objective about thingsI'm fine, I'm trying to have a great World Cup as a protagonist, but I am aware that there are riders who now have many more gearsThey've proven it all year. As I've said many times before, I'm satisfied with the career I've had. There are really very few champions, you can count them on one hand., but I think I did great things and I'm satisfied with each one.
Are you already thinking about next year with Astana?
I'm thinking about the World Cup, I'm very focused. So I'll think about finishing the season wearing the jersey of UAE Emirates. And then, only at the end, I will start to think to the new life what awaits me.
