Source: Santa Cruz FSA press release
Hi Luca, first of all… how are you !?
“I would say very well. We arrived in Japan between Monday and Tuesday but we have already settled in. The melt has already been absorbed and now we are already focused on the goal. The weather is perfect and I know that this time it will be the right time that we will finally have a dry race because this year we haven't had one in the cup that wasn't wet. So, favorable conditions. "
Tell us about the track, is it really as tough as it looks in the pictures?
“Actually it's all scene. It is technical, but live you realize that it is nothing more than a cup track. In fact, yes, it is more scene than anything else, just find the right lines and then be careful to always go back to the same point. It's the same track as the 2019 test event. Nothing new. The technical sections are all artificial so nothing impossible. To be clear, it's certainly not like a Mont Sainte Anne in which lap after lap you don't know what to expect and it's certainly less difficult to stand up than this year's race in Les Gets "
Speaking of standing, we saw your photos at the track test this morning, what happened?
“You mean the one where it looks like I rolled in the dirt? - laughs - Here, in fact, nothing serious. It was the second test lap this morning and on one pass I tried a different line but I came a bit too hard and by the time I realized it was too late. I lost the front a bit like Valentino Rossi, but without any consequences. I think it was fun for those who saw me, but then again, nothing special, even my photo is more of a scene than anything else "
Compared to the Rio Olympics, is this track more or less difficult?
“Rio was different, broken in half by a long climb followed by a long stretch on the plain. Here, however, everything is more intense, short climbs followed by technical descents. In short, it will be a whole other story. "
So a path favorable to…?
“… Who will go stronger! Seriously, let's say that it is definitely not a track that smiles at climbers. So it's all about having the best condition and going fast. Calculate that in the race he will turn between 11 and 12 minutes but never a meter to catch his breath. As I said before, we have never raced in these conditions this year, so I would not have a main favorite, especially considering that there will be 38 at the start, so the number is narrowing a lot. Everyone is worth keeping an eye on even if compared to the cup here there can be no real out-siders. It will be like racing an XCO in XCC format in short. Anything can happen, but I like to think that when they look at who could be the opponent to keep an eye on, they can also take my name into consideration "
How are you now?
“Fingers crossed for good luck, but to be honest I am in the best condition of the season, perhaps the best ever. I did everything as scheduled and here I am, at the top. Now it's my turn. Before you asked me the comparison with Rio, well… today I feel much more competitive than the 2016 Olympics. Since then I have grown a lot and I also feel more mature in sport. The tests in crescendo in this year's cup and also the Italian, albeit marred by the two punctures, gave me great morale. Well, if there is one thing I hope it is to have left bad luck in Europe. Let's say that I'm willing to hug her again on my return if she promises to let me run in peace here. "
And how are you living the responsibility of being the first Olympic ambassador in the history of Santa Cruz?
“A great responsibility, but also a great honor. We are keeping a low profile for good luck but every day I receive messages of support and encouragement from the children of Santa from all over the world. It's a beautiful thing that gives me a crazy charge. For us - Santa's Boys - this is already a small win, go as it goes. It will be really special and for this reason I want to honor every moment of my participation in the best possible way. Out of respect for the blue jersey above all, but also to keep my team's colors high and gratitude to the sponsors who support me. "
