Alpine SkiingINTERVIEW
pentaphoto fisi
A chat with the blue Giovanni Borsotti, who next weekend will be busy on the Deborah Compagnon track in Santa Caterina Valfurva. The Valtellina station will host a male World Cup giant for the first time.
Tuesday 1 December 2020 8 minutes reading time
Giovanni Borsotti, a giant of the blue team, fresh from thirteenth place at the giant of Sölden, with the third fastest time in the second heat, tells NeveItalia his goals for the next two giants of Santa Caterina Valfurva and for the 2020/2021 season.
How did the training in Livigno go?
They went very well. In this period it is difficult to find good weather conditions, in Livigno we found optimal conditions so much so that other national teams such as Switzerland also arrived.
Have you been affected by the covid for the summer preparation?
In August, we were unable to fly overseas and visit Argentina for winter conditions. But thanks to the Federation and the very strict protocols, which in any case were correct for that period, we managed to do some good, very long blocks of work at the Stelvio and therefore I must say that the preparation went just as well. The big difference between training in Argentina and in Italy is that in the first case you train at 1000 meters, while in the second case over 3000 meters, so it's much more tiring. This was perhaps the only negative aspect. However, at the same time, considering the period we were going through, we can't complain. Indeed, we did a very good job.
What are the next programs now before the two giants of Santa Caterina Valfurva?
Since the races have been moved to Italy (they should have taken place in Val d’Isere), we will stay in Livigno in the next few days. We don't move. The coaches prepare a course on the track every day and it is at our discretion to decide which days to train. We will stay here in Livigno until the last one and this is a very important thing because coming home and traveling before the races is always a bit debilitating. Instead, remaining in Livigno we have the opportunity to prepare the two giants of Santa Caterina Valfurva very well.
In Sölden, in the second part of the race, you set the third time in the heats. How do you evaluate your start to the season?
I rate it positively because in Sölden I have never been able to express myself at my best despite the track being very technical. Overall, the whole race went well, I'm happy, but it could have been even better because the conditions were perfect for everyone, even for me who started with bib 29.
Could we try to aim for the podium this season?
The goal is always the same, the podium. When we compete in training, things are going well. To aim for the podium, the track must be in good condition even for those who start with slightly higher bibs and be suitable for my characteristics, therefore with very hard snow. On these conditions I am convinced that we can aim for the podium, especially considering that I have been in the World Cup for many years and that injuries are now a long way off.
It is the first time that a male giant has been played on the “Deborah Compagnoni” of Santa Caterina Valfurva. What kind of track is it?
It is a very technical track, not so much for the slope, but for the poor visibility because it is a track located in the shade, especially in December. For other circuits, I did many races in Santa Caterina Valfurva, but being the end of the season, the conditions were different, easier. Instead, when years ago I trained in Santa Caterina Valfurva in this period, I remember having very positive feelings because the track was difficult. I think that with a very hard snow cover, a good race could come out.
What goal do you set for the two giants of Santa Caterina Valfurva?
Definitely improving Sölden's performance, but above all finding a good feeleing because these early season races serve to obtain a result, but also to seek solidity. Having great sensations always goes hand in hand with the result.
The Norwegian Lucas Braathen, a very young athlete (born in 2000) achieved his first success. What kind of athlete are you?
He is carefree, he has already achieved excellent results so young. He is definitely an athlete to be feared. But, since I'm not playing the specialty cup, I'm not afraid of a particular athlete. I aim for a top 5 or at least to get the most out of myself. I don't usually look at others. Lucas Braathem is very strong. It is the present and it will be the future. We will try to stay in front of him.
What's your goal of the season?
It would be very important to finish the season in the 15 and be able to do some good results in the 10 and win the podium.
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