VAL DI SOLE – The meeting of the XCO junior national team in Val di Sole which took place from 18 to 21 May, was an opportunity for Mirko Celestino and the staff of the national team to test what is preparing to become the place of preparation in height of the Paris Olympics.
Source: FCI press release
“I had the opportunity to view the routes that Val di Sole offers and the facilities of the Terme di Pejo. I must say that we could not have found a more suitable solution for the preparation of the XCO Nationals. These places are confirmed as paradise for off-road vehicles.”
The Ligurian coach called up 7 women and 6 junior men to the rally, for three of them this is their first call-up to the national team. 'We are working for separate groups these days. We take turns doing sessions in the gym, especially aimed at getting to know the machinery and exercises to be repeated in the respective teams, and outings, in which we tackle the technical aspects.'
For this type of work Mirko Celestino relies on a proven group of collaborators: 'Michele Ricci takes care of work in the gym, of the indications to be provided to the boys and of what we can define as 'dry' work. Matteo Berta helps us on the field, a 27-year-old technician, very skilled in driving, able to show the athletes how to best tackle some passages. The physiotherapist Luca Musella and the mechanic Stefano Brusco are also part of the group.'
The facilities of the Terme di Pejo offer everything necessary for a high-level activity: 'When Andrea Tiberi came last week, some structures were closed. In these days, however, I was able to view them at their best. The Scoiattolo refuge is perfect, as is the Terme di Pejo, which put everything at our disposal: thermal baths and a wellness center of excellence, with a massage room, gym and relaxation area. I am really happy to have found such a location for our boys.”
