A Sunday with history: San Vendemiano kicks off the four big Italian spring classics
15º Trofeo Citta´di San Vendemiano – 62º GP Industria & Commercio
San Vendemiano – San Vendemiano (179,6 km)
The Italian spring amateur calendar offers four major events. Four essential events that go beyond Italy itself. They are, in the end, four fundamental commitments on the international U23 scene. A poker of aces, four jewels of a crown. Under this consideration are the Trofeo Piva, the Giro del Belvedere and the Gran Premio Palio del Recioto. And also, being the first one, the Trofeo Città di San Vendemiano. A stage where the best perform. Ergo, a fundamental test in which a success, if not justifying it, does stimulate a jump to professionalism. That is nothing. San Vendemiano returns to the front line this coming Sunday.
The U23 structure of the Contador Foundation has already taken part in some of these historic events in 2021. It is not the case of San Vendemiano, where they travel with a very strong quintet (in this race the teams are composed of five riders) composed by David Domínguez, Arnau Gilabert, Andrea Montoli, Davide Piganzoli and Fernando Tercero. “It is the first important classic of the calendar, we are talking about an U23 race of international character. The competition is enormous. For our part we want to do well and we bring a very strong team that can do really well,” says director Dario Andriotto.
“It’s a really prestigious race and it’s a joy to be able to take part here. It’s one of those races that makes you feel good. We are travelling with a strong team, we can have a very good race. If we are all at our best level and we don’t have any unforeseen events, like crashes, if everything goes well, it doesn’t have to be noticeable if it’s a race with five or six riders”, says Davide Piganzoli.
The Trofeo Città di San Vendemiano is contested over 179 kilometres, a distance that is increased by a neutralised route where things can always happen. A first circuit of almost 11 kilometres over ten laps presents a more favourable profile. After a transition, the riders enter the circuit where they will fight hard for the victory over five laps: a route of just over 10 kilometres with the climb to Formeniga (2.7 kilometres at an average of 4%) and the 1.1 kilometre wall at 15% on Via de Pascoli: Ca’ del Poggio. Two difficulties whose chaining together will greatly clarify the identity of the new winner at the finish on the Via De Gasperi.
David Domínguez: “I’m looking forward to returning to Italy. San Vendemiano is probably the highest level race I’ve ridden so far, both in terms of distance and level of participation, not to mention the course we have to manage. For that reason alone the motivation is enormous. I think I’m in good shape after three weeks of optimal training for the next objectives”.
On the start ramp, 35 formations of which 21 will be Italian and 14, including the U23 structure of the Alberto Contador Foundation, foreign. Spain, Slovenia, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, France, Great Britain, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Austria and the United States are the nationalities of the foreign teams.
