MATTEO BASEGGIO. "READY FOR THE CHALLENGE IN PADOVANI. CYCLING FOR ME? SERENITY, FEW CALCULATIONS, AND LOTS OF PASSION"
INTERVIEW | 07/12/2024 | 08:18
di Luca Galimberti
Two victories, six podium finishes, and thirteen top-10 placements. These are the numbers that tell the story of Matteo Baseggio's 2024 and confirm that consistency is one of the strengths of this fast-paced Vicenza rider. After two seasons with UC Trevigiani - Energiapura Marchiol and before officially starting his new adventure with SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank, the 26-year-old cyclist agreed to share his story with tuttobiciweb.
Matteo, the numbers are enough to understand that it was a good year for you.
"I confirm, I'm satisfied with my season. Once again, I managed to achieve good results for myself and the team. Perhaps we could have had a few more victories, but I certainly can't complain. It was a good year, and the many placements prove it. Of course, I must share these satisfactions with the team, my teammates, and all the members of UC Trevigiani, whom I thank very much."
How do you manage to be so consistent in your performance?
"I believe consistency is one of my characteristics. I can't answer precisely, but what is certain is that I love cycling, I enjoy racing, training, and I'm very calm. In races, I always try to do well, I don't make too many calculations: my goal is to always give my best."
What was the best moment of the just-passed season?
"Winning is always beautiful, so I'll say the Bottecchia Trophy and the Mantovani Memorial. But there were other important moments in these months, for example, in Slovenia, I came second in the GP Kranj behind Roman Ermakov (who we'll see in the World Tour with Bahrain – Victorious, ed.) and ahead of Alexandre Balmer."
I imagine the podium in the fourth stage of the Giro del Veneto was also particularly important.
"Certainly, that day I was racing 'at home': we started from Romano d'Ezzelino, my hometown. I had an extra motivation to do well."
The season was satisfying but also demanding. Did you take a vacation to "recharge your batteries"? "
Yes, I flew to Tenerife, rested for a few days, and when I returned, I started pedaling again." A new chapter of your career awaits you: SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank announced your signing in recent days. "I'm very happy. When they proposed racing for them, I accepted immediately. I found an extremely professional environment. Petacchi, Ongarato, Scarso, Dmitri Konychev, Slongo, and the entire SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank staff have created a great atmosphere. We're missing nothing. I can't wait to start."
When is the debut?
"In a few days, we have a first training camp planned, then we'll start thinking about the season's commitments. I don't have a defined race calendar yet. The team has planned several international trips and a good number of races with the Pros."
In the team, you'll also find Zurlo, who like you comes from Trevigiani, a pair of experienced athletes.
"Matteo is a teammate and a dear friend. We're very close. Experience certainly isn't lacking. We'll try to put it at the service of the teamso we can always do our best."
Speaking of experience, how has the category changed since your debut?
"I moved to Under in 2017. Over the years, the team level has risen, there's much more attention to details, and professionalism has increased. The level is really high, and this is increasingly evident in the group. When I moved from Juniors to Under, the more experienced athletes were competing for victories. Now, even younger riders battle for a win or an important placement. The races are more open, and results are never taken for granted."
Among the category changes is also the closure of an important team like Zalf Euromobil Désirée Fior, which was your team for a season.
"It's certainly news that has shocked everyone, many have talked about it. The only thing I can say, having had the great fortune of racing in that team, is that it will be very sad not to see the Zalf jerseys in the group anymore. It's a sadness for our entire movement."
Baseggio doesn't shy away from questions, responds, tells with passion, analyzes. His voice is always calm, conveying serenity and energy. That energy we're sure Matteo will put into the pedals to earn satisfaction in 2025 with the SC Padovani Polo Cherry Bank jersey.
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