The first round of the Internazionali d'Italia Series is upon us, it will officially start on Saturday 16 March in San Zeno di Montagna (VR). Among the athletes who have already confirmed their presence, the name of Stefano Viezzi stands out, who won the Cyclocross World Championship in Tábor in the Junior category at the beginning of February.
Source: Internazionali d'Italia Series press release
Stefano, you compete at very high levels on the road, MTB and are recently Junior World Champion in cyclocross, we can say that you are the embodiment of multidisciplinarity. Can you tell us what the advantages of practicing different disciplines are for you?
In my opinion all disciplines are connected. For example, on the road, having a bit of downhill technique helps a lot, while for MTB and cyclocross the road is preparatory, it's true that these are shorter races, but you need to have a minimum amount of background and road work is very useful for this . On the one hand, multidisciplinarity is an incredible advantage, on the other, however, it is not always easy to organize, especially in the summer season when there are competitions for different disciplines. In any case, I think that by managing them well, it is possible to achieve some good results and be able to gain some satisfaction.
Can you tell us what is special about mountain biking for you that you can't find in road and cyclocross?
Definitely the routes. I still cycle for fun and I really like mountain biking. The venues where the races take place are also stunning. So I'm curious to see them and the fact of traveling excites me. Then I will certainly also try to obtain results that I have not been able to achieve up until now."
What do you expect from the first test of the Internazionali d'Italia on March 16th in San Zeno di Montagna?
I hope to start far enough up the grid even if each race is a bit different. It will also depend on the route, of course, but I feel in good shape and my form will gradually improve. At the moment I'm hoping for a podium, let's see.
Last question. What kind of runner do you see yourself becoming in the future? Will you continue to dedicate yourself to all disciplines or would you like to focus on one in particular?
I always see myself as a multidisciplinary athlete. I like road, cyclocross, MTB, everything, and I will try to do as much as possible while I can. Then we'll see what happens based on the teams and the objectives that the future holds for me. But at the moment I still want to have fun, I'm open to what's to come.
In the women's field, however, the presence of two top athletes from the Orbea Factory Team is confirmed, Chiara Teocchi (fresh from two victories in the last races) and the Dutch Anne Tauber.
Also competing for victory with them on the San Zeno di Montagna circuit will be Martina Berta of the Santa Cruz FSA team, among the Italians eligible for a call-up to Paris 2024, together with her teammates Sara Cortinovis and Valentina Corvi.
Also for the Santa Cruz FSA team among the elite men will be Nadir Colledani and Luca Braidot, bronze medalists at the world championship in 2022 and looking for the best form in a particular and fundamental year like the Olympic one.
Competing for the Wilier-Vittoria Mtb Factory Team will be the British Cameron Orr, winner in Alpago at the last edition of the Internazionali d'Italia Series, Simone Avondetto, U23 world champion, the Dane Sophie Pedersen and the Swiss Gina Caluori, vice-champion of the world among the U23s. Important names are also expected in the female Junior category: Eva Herzog and Elisa Lanfranchi (KTM Protek Elettrosystem) respectively 2nd and 4th second in the UCI junior ranking, and Giada Martinoli (Scott Racing Team) 8th in the UCI ranking.
All that remains is to wait a few more days, and enjoy these great athletes competing in the first test of the Internazionali d'Italia Series 2024.
GARE PROGRAM
Saturday March 16
- 10.00 Junior Men's Race
- 11.45 Women's Open + Women's Junior race
- 14.00pm Men's Open race
Sunday March 17
- 09:00 Masters race for everyone
- 11:00 m1 Rookie Race
- 12.00 m2 Rookie Race
- 13pm Women's Youth Competition (00pm from 13pm and art. 00 na 13)
- 14pm M30 Student Competition
- 15pm M45 Student Competition
