AMATEURS | 06/15/2024 | 5.14pm
by Carlo Malvestio
Seen up close, Samuele Privitera he transmits determination, passion and enthusiasm for what he does. The hamlet of Zocca del finished in third place Giro Next Gen 2024for a few minutes he was unable to sit still, despite being exhausted, prey to the adrenaline of having come so close to success.
Ligurian from Soldano, first year, born in 2005, this week he had to fight above all with himself: «To analyze this podium we must start from the assumption that on the evening of the time trial I caught a bad fever, the next day I was 38 and a half – said the young athlete of the Hagens Berman Jayco -. I didn’t even have to leave for Pian della Mussa, but I left anyway and arrived by miracle. Yesterday in Fosse I was still sick, I had a lot of phlegm, but with the condition I had before the Giro I promised myself I would try to do something until the end, also for the many fans who are making me feel their affection. The escape went away thanks to an attack of mine, we made a crazy effort, about 45 minutes at 345 average watts, but in the end it happened. On the final climb I still didn’t feel well, but I kept going head, heart and management, and in the end I bring home a podium which doesn’t hurt. I’ve really grown out of this Giro Next Gen, both physically and mentally, because after two days I wanted to go home, but instead I gritted my teeth and gained some satisfaction. I think it was an effort that will give me many benefits in the future.”
A complete runner, Privitera had finished 11th in the Alpes Isère Tour, suggesting that he was in excellent condition: «I felt really good, at the Alpes Isère Tour I had come close to the Top 10 on Alpe d’Huez, I had good sensations and the numbers were constantly growing. Getting sick after one day was really frustrating, because I had high expectations, as a first year I dreamed of doing good things and the team was focusing a lot on me. But I have to say thanks to the whole team, they followed us fantastically here at the Giro, they encouraged me to keep going, Axel Merckx first and foremost. I thank them and all the fans who, even with just one heart on Instagram, gave me so much energy.”
After the final stage in Forlimpopoli he will have to put his bicycle aside for a few days: «I have to put my mind to the final exam, Scientific High School. I like studying, I would like to enroll in Sports Sciences, perhaps taking online lessons, but I don’t want to give up my studies. But on the bike I will continue to lead with my head down, because it is the sport that is giving me a living and I really want to get as high as possible”
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