Just over 24 hours and the pros will make their gravel race debut. There is great excitement for the Most Serene Gravel. It's all new, everything needs to be understood, even for the riders. And among the protagonists of this historic event will be David Martinelli ready, with three other companions of his Astana-Premier Tech Battistella, Lutsenko e Felline, gathering dust on the dirt road of Veneto.
Into the unknown
Today is inspection day. The only real test the riders can do given the ever-busier schedule. But perhaps it is precisely this sense of mystery that makes it all so exciting and curious.
«It's something new – explains Martinelli – and we don't really know how to approach it. I'd say we won't risk too much, but then again, when we riders pin our numbers on our backs, we never hold back.
«I don't think we'll go all out from start to finish, why 90 kilometers There's a lot of dirt roads. I imagine everything will be decided in the final two or three sectors. I don't see the race being like the road race, with the breakaway getting away... Then maybe I'll be proven wrong! We'll also try to have fun. Because we pros always think about performance, and this could be the right opportunity. I'm happy to do it!».
(Almost) identical measurements
But one of the most interesting aspects concerns the technical setup for tackling dirt roads. The guys, and not just those from Astana, had very little time to test gravel bikes.
«In fact, 15 days ago, when we took some photos for the team, I had the opportunity to test the Wilier Rave. We've reported the exact same measurements as on the road. If anything, it's perhaps a little shorter, for reasons of handling, but we're really talking about millimeters. My saddle height is 80 centimeters and I reported it. The cranks, mine are 172,5 millimeters, they're the same. And the pedals too. The most experienced gravel riders use MTB shoes and pedals and small, more specific adjustments, but we wanted to touch as little as possible."
Inner tubes or tubeless?
The biggest doubts concern the bike's technical setup, starting with the tires. Or rather, they'll all be roughly 35mm (each brand has its own size), but will they be tubed or tubeless? It must be said, not all pros know how to service their bikes. Especially tubeless ones. A road pro isn't a biker. But he doesn't know how for obvious reasons: one is lost alone in the woods, the other has his team car in tow. That team car, however, isn't in the Serenissima Gravel.
«I heard – Martinelli continues – that Tubeless or inner tubes will be used at the rider's discretion. For convenience, I'd say tubeless is better, also because in case of a puncture there's fluid, while an inner tube would take longer (but it's easier to repair, ed.). For example, I'll decide after today's inspection, including when it comes to choosing tire pressures and final details.
"You have to consider that we have four mechanical stations, and it will be crucial to avoid any setbacks. It's a bit like Roubaix: if you don't have any problems, you're already ahead."
Davide Martinelli checks his tire pressure. The Brescia native is very attentive to the technical aspects (Instagram photo) Runners will have a multitool in their pocket, which is also a novelty.
Davide Martinelli checks his tire pressure. The Brescia native is very attentive to the technical aspects (Instagram photo) Runners will have a multitool in their pocket, which is also a novelty.
Do-it-yourself assistance
No flagship we were saying and four technical assistance points along the route: have the riders "trained to be mechanics"?
"No, no... you start with basic knowledge," says Davide. "Then it always depends on what you break and how you break it. If the transmission gets a little bent, with a little care you can get it back in line. But if it breaks, there's not much you can do. Maybe we'll leave with some keys in our pockets. I don't know, a multitool. For example, if the saddle were to fall off, you could fix it with an Allen key. Or, in any case, you could make those small adjustments to reach the service area.
«I'm undecided whether to leave with two full water bottles or with one water bottle and another cut one. Where to store your tools. It's not that hot, so a single water bottle might be fine. Or, two water bottles and an extra pocket under the saddle for the inner tube. We'll see..."
