Women's cycling is now a consolidated reality, even in Italy. The merit is above all of the Azzurri's successes, with the icing on the cake laid by Elisa Balsamo , who on 25 September last in Belgium won the title of world champion in a heart-pounding sprint, ten years after Giorgia Bronzini 's victory. The 23-year-old from Cuneo tells Fantacycling about her golden moment and her passion for a sport that is giving her great satisfaction and a surprising, but well-deserved, notoriety.

Elisa, your 2021 will remain unforgettable. How are you enjoying the period?

I'm only starting to understand now that I've made something special, it was hard to understand in the early days. Winning the rainbow jersey is a dream and crazy for any athlete's career.

At the World Cup we saw you very excited, what do you remember about those moments?

I was actually in another dimension, I didn't quite understand what I had done. I remember the emotion of the podium, the meeting with my companions and my boyfriend. All important people on my path towards success.

But isn't your season over?

No, now I will be busy at the Track World Championships in Roubaix. The goal is to do well because I would like to finish 2021 well. Then next year I will continue both on the track and on the road even if I will give more importance to the second route given the jersey I am wearing. I think I can find a good balance.

You will also change teams next year. Is this a qualitative leap?

I signed for Trek Segafredo, I am very confident of racing and doing well in this jersey. A decision that does not worry me, on the contrary, it brings me further stimuli.

This year you ran the first female Paris-Roubaix, what were your feelings?

It was a very tough race mainly due to bad weather. I'm happy to have finished it, I believe that the inclusion of such a race in the calendar will bring a further boost of confidence to women's cycling. And in 2022 there will also be the Tour de France. Yes, I was at the presentation of the route in Paris. I would love to do it, it's a beautiful and balanced track. I hope to be at the start.

By the way, you were sitting next to Alaphilippe and Pogacar. What sensations did they show for the male journey?

They seemed happy even if it is very demanding and with many uphill finishes. They were very kind to me, we exchanged a few words and made me understand that they understood how important women's cycling has become for the whole movement.

So has the health of pink cycling in Italy improved?

It is growing sharply, as it has been for some years now. There was a crazy acceleration because there are teams super interested in racing and media attention has increased. The television ratings, in fact, have rewarded us. And then there are more and more girls who decide to ride a bike thanks to our results. We hope to continue in the best way.

Ritual question, do you know Fantacycling?

Of course! Even if I don't play, there are some of my teammates and national teammates who line up their squad and look forward to the scores after the games. I am so into the piece that we often hear them talking and discussing credits and the market aloud.

Ok, you are not a fantamanager yet but which would be the first rider you would take for your team?

Without a doubt Van Aert.

Why do you like cycling?

I consider it a sport in which you have to have a great team spirit. And that's why I love it.

Lorenzo Lucon - Fantacycling Team

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