Beyond expectations. Five days after its conclusion, there is still talk of the Giro del Mediterraneo in Rosa, the women’s stage race that preceded the Gran Premio Liberazione. Five stages between Campania and Puglia where, compared to last year, a notable general growth emerged and there was no shortage of interesting technical ideas.
The first is certainly linked to Lara Gillespiethe Irish national champion who he made a gap in the second stage, effectively immediately closing the fight for the final victory, but also taking the satisfaction of winning the next fraction wearing the symbol of record. The second hits Federica Venturelli (in the opening photo Ossola) absolute protagonist with two stage victories, practically acting as Gillespie’s squire and achieving the double of the team I have to Uae, while third place went to an increasingly convincing Giada Bourgeois.
Francis Vitiellothe organizer, is already looking forward to next year, based on the feedback received: «We have had attestations of esteem almost everywhere – he says – but what heartens us most is the final report of the UCI judges. They told me that they were amazed by the level of organisation, safety and cleanliness of the streets and this is an important fact. As we anticipated, it is our intention to move up next year have more teams at the start, especially foreign ones and above all linked to the world of the WorldTour».
Has there been attention from abroad too?
Yes, Alessandra also confirmed it to me Cappellotto who followed the first two stages as a UCI delegate and who told me he had seen surreal things for an Italian race. An unprecedented quality with lots of personnel on the roads and everything needed for a race that would deserve a much higher qualification. Among other things, the race had great prominence even regardless of the technical results due to the presence of two Afghan girls from the WCC Team, the team wanted by the UCI. There was even a TV crew that came especially for them.
Among other things, the organizational aspect was made even more complicated by the bad weather…
The first two stages, those in Campania, were characterized by intense rain and this showed how we were ready to face even the most difficult conditions. We held our ground, but on the other hand we had also foreseen the worst conditions. With us there were 12 technical escorts from the Stradale and another 12 directly from the organisation.
From a technical point of view, wasn’t UAE’s absolute dominance a disadvantage, considering the huge technical gap between them and the others?
I’m used to always accepting the response of the road. The UAE won because it demonstrated that it had a superior framework, such preparation as to be able to deal with each type of stage in the best possible way. The race confirmed the predictions from the day before, but when a team has top athletes you can see the difference. Gillespie and Venturelli raced with great tactical knowledge.
Do you think UAE’s presence will push other WT teams to follow in their footsteps?
I’m sure why we talk between teams and the word of mouth effect will be in our favor. I heard some of the opinions of the various teams present and they were all enthusiastic: not only for the races, but also for everything surrounding it, starting with the choices of hotels, the limited transfer times and more. An aspect that is often little considered is also the places where one has cycled. It’s true that competitive spirit prevails, the concentration is for the race, but there are also those who have noticed the beauty of the landscapes proposed, this also counts.
How much does this aspect influence?
It is fundamental for us, the race must be a driving force to make the territories and the local culture known. It is clear that the technical aspect prevails, but the spectacular aspect also has its importance. In Torre del Greco, for example, we could have the girls pass through the city but we preferred to favor the seafront both to make the passage of the caravan easier, to allow simpler management of all aspects related to safety, but also to show a truly exceptional piece of territory. The athletes think yes about running, but I know they watch and notice.
Will there be other regions added?
We have already had requests from Calabria and Abruzzo, not to mention that those who hosted the Mediterranean in Pink this season want our return. The mayors of Torre del Greco and Terzigno were enthusiastic, they absolutely want to do it again, but we cannot guarantee anything, it is also our duty to keep the race running through new places.
And will there also be room for a time trial among these?
We’re thinking about it, it will be a further step to climb. We need a municipality that hosts the race and offers everything needed. As mentioned, it is not an easy commitment, but I really think that next year there will be a hill climb to increase the technical level of the event.
