Natalia, what emotions did the Montesilvano experience give you?
“It’s my first Italian title, so I’ll let you imagine. Winning is always nice, it gives you indescribable sensations, let alone when you reach a goal for the first time. In previous years I had reached the podium, finally this time I won”.
However, you already have several Giro d’Italia finishes in the pink jersey under your belt.
“It’s like this, but I missed this award and I’m really happy to have achieved it, also because getting a double in the race in the time trial is not very easy.”
How many kilometers did he have to travel?
“My category, WH1, is that of the most severely disabled, so the mileage is not very high, but we pedaled for over an hour and a half, which is no small thing. The time trial is around 12 kilometres.”
When did you start hand biking?
“In 2016, when the Asd Cooperatori, my company, also started its activity with the disabled at the track named after Giannetto Cimurri. I immediately became passionate about it even though I couldn’t do the races because I didn’t have the suitable bike. In 2018 I was able to buy a used one, made of aluminum, and I started competing, and also winning, I needed a new bike.”
Does he have it now?
“Yes, in carbon fibre: lighter, faster and easier to handle. Thanks to the fundraising which involved many organizations in Reggio and many people who donated, I was also able to make this dream come true”.
What does Handbike mean to you?
“When I pedal I feel an incredible sense of freedom, I travel freely with body and mind, and I don’t feel my disability at all. So I will never stop thanking the Anteas volunteers who take me to the track to train, since I can’t ride and the legendary Rino Parmiggiani, who repairs my bicycle after each race and checks it meticulously, a great mechanic. Practicing handcycling has changed my life in many ways.”
Which we imagine is not easy in everyday life…
“Immediately after becoming quadriplegic, my first objective was not to be destroyed by what had happened to me. In this sense, the first spur was the fact that, at the time (it was 2007, ed.) my children were 5 years old. and a half and 20 months. Despite what had happened to me, I wanted to be part of their lives, to follow them as much as possible in their needs. At the beginning it was certainly difficult because, especially the eldest, she asked me why we didn’t go to school park like before, for example. Children are the ones who know how to react, and help us react, better to these situations always given great strength.”
Even in facing the long rehabilitation?
“Obviously. On a journey that I tackled with great will and dedication, also trying to train my body as much as possible. But if there hadn’t been a handbike I would have actually been in a wheelchair almost all day. Instead, practicing sport it is an added value for those with disabilities, as well as being fundamental for everyone in general.”
A great man and a great champion like Alex Zanardi gave so much visibility to Handbike and the world of Paralympic sport in general. Did he know him?
“Yes, the first time during the 2019 Italian championships; he was very helpful and we also took a nice photo together. Then I saw him again in Reggio, at the Cimurri track just a few days before the terrible accident he had in Tuscany, just in handbike as everyone knows. On that occasion he demonstrated, once again, that he was an exceptional person: he gave us great energy, attention and always with a smile on his face”.
His activity has also become a tool for talking about the world of disabilities in schools. As he did just at the end of March in Scandiano…
“Yes, they are meetings that I willingly have; every year and in different schools, collaborating with the ‘Pedaling in safety’ project with the Asd Cooperatori. They are important occasions in which I tell children and young people how important it is to know how to react, to live life step by step I fight against all adversities. On some occasions I also bring my bike and have it tested.” Plans for the future?
“Win the Giro d’Italia again, if possible. In this year’s one I’m currently in the pink jersey, having won the first stage in Genoa in mid-March. We’ll see what happens in the next one: May 12th in Monfalcone.”
Is the Olympics also in your dreams?
“There would be. But our category isn’t part of the Paralympic program at the moment, so I have to ‘settle’ for the Giro d’Italia. I haven’t done other international races yet, but I’d like to start tackling those too.”
