BOLZANO. According to the doctors he shouldn’t have cycled. Too risky, given the rare syndrome – 300 cases in medical literature – with whom he has lived since he was a child, and who compromises the use of the right foot and leg. Richard Laini, 33 year old from Bolzanohe didn’t have time to hang the second gold national to the wall, which is already looking at the paracycling world championships, which will take place in Maniago in May. There passion for cycling he has been driving it all his life. Ever since, in the fourth grade, she started cycling together with her classmates.
In ten years of competition he has achieved countless achievements, from a sporting and medical point of view. «My physical condition has improved with the bike», he explains. Now it is the point of reference for those who, after an accident, want to get back on the bike. And he carries on his battle so that there is more raising awareness about sport and disability. Yesterday he was a guest at the editorial meeting.
On 13 April he confirmed himself as the Italian road para-cycling champion, for the second consecutive year. Did you expect this achievement?
When I saw the list of starters I was very discouraged. Last year there were only a few of us, this year, however, the competition was much more intense. It went well.
Next goal?
I signed up for the world cup, which I also competed in last year. I’ll probably also sign up for the track championships, for a matter of proximity: I’m in Padua.
When did your love for cycling begin?
I have always been a sportsman: despite my disability I tried swimming, football and other disciplines. I started riding bikes in the fourth grade and immediately fell in love. Some time later I fell, hurting my “good” leg. My parents were worried, and I let it go for a few years. Once my adolescence was over, my passion was rekindled, so I decided to get back into the saddle. I fell other times, but at a certain point my parents told me to do what I wanted, even against the advice of the doctors.
Do doctors advise against it?
Some say that, in my situation, I should reduce my risk of getting hurt. But the bike improved my physical condition.
What exactly is your situation?
I have a very rare disease. Until I was ten I walked without a prosthesis, then my leg got worse. I have always been treated at the Gaslini in Genoa, because here they didn’t know what to do. There I had three bone transplants, before they told me that the only option was to amputate my right leg. In Innsbruck they fitted me with an external prosthesis, deciding to keep my leg. Now I have periodic checks. But I am aware that sooner or later the moment of amputation will come.
Does this scare you?
Not particularly. I’m prepared. I just hope I have to be without my bike for as little time as possible.
What was your competitive journey, and what obstacles did you encounter?
Starting to cycle more and more in my twenties, I decided to take part in some races with the “able-bodied”. At a certain point I decided to find out about paracycling, and after months of research, I signed up with a club in Val Venosta, which brings together all sports for disabled people. But even there there wasn’t much information. Now I run for Camin bike, and I compete more and more. Except that it is still a very difficult world, sponsors cannot be found, there are no funds, and in general there is a lack of a lot of information.
Are Italy and Alto Adige behind the rest of the countries?
Italy is far behind in Paralympic cycling. For Germany and England, around seven and ten athletes compete in the national team jersey. There are three of us Italians registered, all individually. A great shame, given that this year we have the World Cup at home. As far as Alto Adige is concerned, there is zero information. And I was surprised to be the only South Tyrolean to go to the national championships. There are several athletes who have suffered accidents and find it difficult to fit into the para-sports world. More awareness would be needed.
Have you ever helped any athletes with difficulties?
Some, especially after suffering accidents, contacted me by word of mouth. Now I’m following a boy who has lost the use of his foot. I have lived with my disability all my life, for those who suffer trauma, it is difficult to return to sport, especially from a psychological point of view.
Tags: paracycling champion Riccardo Laini Italy sport disability information needed Bolzano
