Following a long positive trend, and dreaming of her idol Marianne Vos, the 23-year-old Italian of FAS Airport Services Guerciotti is preparing for the cyclocross home World Cup event, scheduled for December 10th in Vermiglio. “Val di Sole is special, my goal is the top 5”
Five wins in nine races and the European bronze medal in Pontchâteau: Sara Casasola approaches the home round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Vermiglio (December 10th) with a remarkable shape. The Italian from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, grown up watching Dutch legend Marianne Vos’ feats, hopes to be among the protagonists on the snowy surface of the Trentino stage.
The rider of FAS Airport Services Guerciotti rider, who had suffered several injuries in previous years, has had an excellent start of the season.
“I could finally make a proper preparation for the season. I feel better both physically and mentally, and these are the secrets behind my good start in the early races”, said Casasola.
In less than one month, the Italian will test herself by the San Leonard Lakes in Vermiglio, Trentino. A unique event, where in 2022 she achieved her best World Cup result at the time (8th place), which she has improved just a few days ago with 4th place in Troyes.
“Last year it was my first time in Vermiglio, and I really enjoyed the race. The setting is wonderful as well as the atmosphere, slightly different from the one in Belgium. By joining this race, I wanted to try something new, and now I can’t wait to return”.
The two key factors in Vermiglio will be the riders’ handling skills and the ability to adapt to a continuously evolving snowy surface.
“In 2022 we started the weekend with fresh snow, very similar to sand, while in the race the course turned to be hard and icy. Every turn had to be handled with care, trying not to slide and fall. Indeed, those who boast better riding skills made the difference”, argued the Italian.
Given the forfeit of Silvia Persico from the 2023/2024 cyclocross season, Casasola bears the flag of Italian hopes in the home round in Vermiglio.
“I’m aware of that and I don’t feel it as a burden. I know expectations are getting higher for my performances on the International level, but no one is putting me under extra pressure right now.”
"My goal in Vermiglio is to have fun in front of a beautiful crowd, to aim for a top 5, and to honor the organizational effort of Val di Sole, which has managed in just a few years to provide an event that is highly rated by athletes and coaches", ended Casasola.
The program for the Cyclocross World Cup Stage in Vermiglio will kick off on Saturday, December 9th, with free practice sessions from 14:00 to 16:00 CET. On Sunday, December 10th, the Elite Women's race begins at 13:10 CET, followed by the Elite Men's race at 14:40 CET. Tickets are available on valdisolebikeland.com.
