Cold and rain are among the conditions that most negatively impact races and training. No one likes the cold. Although there are some exceptions in the group, and one of them is certainly Alessandro De Marchi. Victory at the Tre Valli Varesine e pink jersey in Sestola. These two important results have one thing in common common: lots of water. And it's no coincidence that the Rosso di Buja excelled in those prohibitive conditionsThese aren't his only victories in these adversities, but they represent his calling card. Where does this predisposition come from? And how does one prepare for the winter training? We asked Rosso directly, intercepting him by phone upon his return from two days of collection and testing of materials in Girona with theIsrael Start Up Nation.
Are you a lover of the cold or can you simply tolerate it more than others?
More than endurance it has become habit, living in Friuli-Venezia GiuliaThe temperatures here are like those of a harsh winter. Once upon a time, you couldn't take a plane and go to Spain, especially in the youth categories and at the beginning of your career. So I learned to live with the coldThis is probably where my endurance comes from. Especially during my first years as a professional, I always spent the winters at home, training in all conditions, and this evidently helped me. It takes a bit of sacrifice and adaptation..
Do you do the preparation at home?
If I can decide, I also prefer to train in the heat. But, well, training at home is not impossible And I like it. Although having moments where you can focus on your own things is good. In fact, this year I'll be raising my family and I'm going to Gran CanariaThere I know I can dedicate myself to cycling and after training I can spend time with my family, something that is difficult to do at home.
It's morning, it's freezing and foggy. It's a classic winter day. You open your closet and what do you wear?
In real cold conditions, say from zero to five degrees, the plan with the warmest and most performing clothing. An tights special, of those padded with reinforced layers on the front of the thighs. A winter jacket unique, very technical, able to keep you warm as if they were three layers. Underneath, a thermal underwear It can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved, in this case long. It's basically like putting together a puzzle based on the temperatures depending on how cold it is.
Hands, feet, and head. How do you protect yourself?
Usage classic socks, as well as for shoes. I prefer to wear shoe covers a little thicker that keeps them warm, let's say over 2 millimeters thick. As for the gloves, specifically winter gloves and very technical. Then a plush headband for the ears. And finally one heavy neck warmer, shaped and snug to avoid drafts, yet breathable to allow me not to sweat too much and regulate my temperature.
In these conditions, do you lighten your diet?
No, on the contrary. If it's very cold, I prefer to eat more. Because the cold makes you burn more energy and caloriesAn adjustment is also required in this respect. An extra bar or two. Mainly as a reserve, so as not to have hunger crises that could be more severe with such low temperatures.
After your victory at Tre Valli Varesine, you told us: "I like these days. You have to race with your cards on the table. And when that happens, you have to be brave. You have to race knowing you can lose everything, but it's the best way to win. Or at least for me, it's also the most beautiful way." How do you prepare for races in those adverse weather conditions?
There the big difference is made by how you dress. Even if During the competition the mental aspect comes into play more. It's more effective than in training. In training, you can decide to stay home, but in a race, obviously, you can't. The technical side also plays its part. Knowing how to ride a bike and not being afraid is part of the skills needed to make a difference in those conditions.The same goes for times when it's not raining, but the asphalt is wet. As often happens at the beginning and end of the season, in those cases you need to adapt your driving style.
When does your season start?
The season will definitely start in February with the races in SpainWe're still finalizing the schedule so I don't know anything yet. I'll definitely spend the time in Gran Canaria and then I will go to Girona in January for the retreat with the team and then we start from there.
Have you already defined your goals for 2022?
We still have to decide, I have expressed my desire to go to the Giro d'Italia and start the season based on that. We'll see what the team decides, but I'm optimistic. The same goes for the warm-up races; we still have to finalize everything.
