The Italian from Rossano Veneto, winner of the first edition, has set his sights on the October 16 event: “The crucial point will be the Tisa”.
Will the “wall” of the Tisa multiplied by three make the decisive selection, or will the new hill of the Diesel Farm, with its 1,200 meters of dirt and double-digit gradients just a few kilometers from the finish line? We will find out on Sunday, October 16, the day of the second edition of the Veneto Classic.
One thing is certain, the race for professionals conceived by Filippo Pozzato, a sort of “Northern classic” at other latitudes, is becoming increasingly demanding and spectacular. Asphalt, cobblestones and gravel alternate in an extremely lively finale, with the climb of the Rosina further exacerbating the altimetry.
One of the most characteristic sections of the route is undoubtedly the Tisa a Colceresa, a 330-meter narrow passage with a stony surface and slopes between 12% and 20%, to be repeated three times.
Treviso will provide the impetus for the race, while the finish line will be in Bassano del Grappa, like last year. The choice fell on Piazza Garibaldi, in the heart of the city, and no longer on the Ponte della Vittoria, which in 2021 was transformed into a triumphal catwalk for Samuele Battistella. The Italian from Rossano Veneto, called up by coach Bennati for the world championship in Australia, aims to repeat what has been his only success as a professional so far.
“Veneto Classic is an event that I care a lot about, it doesn’t often happen that you have a professional race a stone’s throw from home – said the Astana Qazaqstan rider -. The finale is certainly very challenging, the dirt road can also be treacherous due to falls and punctures. In my opinion, the crucial point is the Tisa, that's where Trentin and I took advantage last year. It will be essential to take it in the leading positions, especially the third time. In mid-October, tiredness could be felt, but I know that I will not lack concentration and motivation, it's always like this when you breathe the air of home".
All the details of the event will be illustrated at the end of the month at Palazzo Balbi in Venice, seat of the Regional Council, in the presence of the Governor of Veneto Luca Zaia.