The little girl who dreamed of emulating Marianne Vos has grown up. The haul of five victories out of nine races held, together with the continental bronze conquered in Pontchâteau, represents an excellent calling card for Sarah Casasola in view of the next events of the 2023/24 cyclocross season. Among these there is the Italian stage of World Cup on the Trentino snows of Val di Sole, Sunday December 10 ai San Leonardo lakes di Vermilion.
Source: VITESSE press release
A season that began as best as it could not be from the FAS Airport Services standard bearer Guerciotti, finally not affected by the injuries that slowed down her competitive growth. “This time everything went smoothly, I'm physically well and I'm more calm mentally. These factors are the secret of a very positive start to the season”, declared the Friulian.
In less than a month, Sara Casasola will test herself again in Vermiglio, in a one-of-a-kind event that in 2022 gave her her then-best World Cup placing, with an eighth-place finish improved last weekend with fourth place in Troyes. “I liked the race”, remembers the Italian. – “I skipped the first edition, the 2021 edition, so I was making my debut. The context is magnificent, in terms of landscape and atmosphere, different from the Belgian one but equally pleasant. I wanted to try something new and I can't wait to go back."
In Vermiglio, two elements will make the difference: the ability to drive in conditions of poor grip and adaptation to a constantly evolving snow cover. “Last year we did free practice with fresh snow that resembled sand, while on Sunday the surface was a slab. Every curve, every crease had to be tackled with the scale, because overdoing it meant slipping. It is no coincidence that those who know how to ride a bike have made the difference."
Sara Casasola is the great Italian female hope to obtain a prestigious result in Vermiglio, also in light of Silvia Persico's decision to skip the cyclocross winter for a season. “I'm aware of it, but it doesn't bother me. It's clear that a lot is expected of me in international events, but no one is putting exaggerated pressure on me."
“In Vermiglio I want to have fun in front of a wonderful audience, aim for a top-5 and honor the organizational effort of Val di Sole which in just a few years has managed to organize an event that is highly regarded by athletes and technicians” .
The program of the cyclo-cross World Cup in Val di Sole will start Saturday December 9 with the free tests, from 14.00 am to 16.00 pm, in view of the competitions of Sunday December 10. Proof Elite women will start at 13.10, followed by that Elite men 14.40. The Tickets they are for sale on instead www.valdisolebikeland.com.
