La Solution Tech-Vini Fantini has so far collected 19 victories which is certainly not an insignificant number. Of these, 13 have come from Dusan Rajovic, the Serbian national champion who has left his mark since the beginning of the season, proving that the investment made in a rider who had left the WorldTour was a wise one.
Victory at high altitude
Rajovic's latest victories have come from the other side of the world, in the last two stages of a race that is certainly not common, given that it is the Trans-Himalaya RaceAnd the Serbian holds those successes in his heart, because they were achieved in a land of a thousand meanings.
«It was quite tough especially because of the high altitude. We were competing above 4.000 meters and it was really difficult for training, breathing, recovery from the efforts.It's not the typical altitude we're used to. We were quite lucky because all the stages were fairly flat, and in fact the classification was very tight, but completing it wasn't easy."
There weren't any big gaps, actually. What kind of race was it and how did you feel?
It wasn't ideal for me. It was a really difficult four days because it wasn't my first time running at high altitude. It had happened to me on a couple of occasions before, but this one was much harder than the previous ones because the altitude was much higher.
Which of your two victories was the most difficult and important for you?
The third stage. It was really beautiful, because The arrival in Lhasa was in front of the last temple of the Dalai Lama. It will certainly remain in my memory for the light that was seen, because it doesn't happen every day win a stage in Tibet, especially in front of the Dalai Lama's special place.
What struck you most about the place where you competed and the local population?
We had a local guide helping us, he was a super nice guy and The locals were truly incredible in their helpfulness and kindness towards us. They made us feel special.Then there's the nature, the mountains, it's a wonderful spectacle. Something different that you don't usually find in Europe. It would certainly be wonderful to return there one day, to collect more memories, even if there were difficulties. But the spectacle of the places makes up for the effort...
You've won 13 times this year. Do you think you've reached the pinnacle of your career?
I don't think it's the highest point, I do not hide the fact that many races were category 2.2, it is clear that my calendar, although very good, is not the same as the one I used to do at the Bahrain VictoriousBut I look at my performances and honestly think I can do even better.
You left the WorldTour this year. Do you think it was the right choice?
It's true that I was left out, but that's part of the game. I don't ask myself if I did well or badly, I simply consider that in this team I find a really excellent program and a really pleasant atmosphere.I'm quite satisfied to have arrived here and also that we have an excellent programme where there is no shortage of comparisons with the top division teams and above all the big events, such as Sanremo, the UAE Tours that are part of a program of first and second category races. Everything is there to do well, For my part, I try to collect as much as possible and so far I have to say it's gone well because it's a program that's just right for me.
Do you have ambitions to return to the WorldTour?
I try not to worry about it, but if the opportunity arises, I'll think about it. For now, I just think I really like this team and we're at a professional level, so very high. I had already been there when it was called Corratec: it had been a nice experience, but at the time it was a Continental, which is quite different in terms of competitions but above all in terms of organization.
Of your 13 wins this year, which do you think was the most important?
That's a question I really don't know how to answer. Every week, every race is truly special. You never know what tomorrow holds. I'm used to looking at everything in a specific way and I think every victory has great value, regardless of the category, from whoever is in front of you, because that day you were the best and for me this matters.
Now that you have more races to run, where do you think you can extend your streak?
We will go to the Shanghai Tour. I'm going back to China, where I already won this year at the Tour of Hainan, It's a country that usually brings me luck. So I hope to extend this winning season with more successes.
