Cristian Zorzi is confident: “Pellegrino was brilliant at leaving a great legacy. Jacquelin? A character like me”

On the occasion of the presentation of the Val di Fiemme-branded winter season, Dario Puppo also caught up with Cristian Zorzi, a symbol of that land who, as a coach in his world of cross-country skiing, is fully involved in every aspect of the sport and can offer us an interesting perspective on various aspects of the competitive scene and beyond.

“Nordic skiing is in the air in Val di Fiemme, and the Olympics did nothing but highlight the characteristics of our valley, from the passionate fans to the myriad of volunteers who enjoy being present at events,” stressed “Zorro”, who 20 years ago, at the home Games in Turin 2006, carried the Italian flag to the top of the Olympic podium with the final leg of the legendary men’s relay victory under the snow in Pragelato. “As for me, as a coach working with Andorra (technically guiding Gina Del Rio), I’m coming off a season packed with trips and with a great deal of fatigue, to the point that I wanted to take a sabbatical year.

But I have too many friends whom I find it hard to say no to…”

Between the quality of the organisation in Val di Fiemme, which is requested from many quarters (“it is one of the very few resorts that does not go a year without hosting events”), and the praise for a top biathlete such as Emilien Jacquelin for having the courage to change disciplines and move into professional cycling (“that touch of madness that certain characters have—and I was like that too, since I had no middle ground—simply comes from within. Hats off to him”), the Olympic champion also discusses the future of the Italian cross-country movement following the end of Chicco Pellegrino’s extraordinary career.

“He was brilliant, transforming himself in recent years from an athlete who was selfish, like all of us, into the father of the team and generating enthusiasm among the youngsters: from Barp to Graz and Carollo, he gave them an objective that could not be taken for granted, leaving a fine legacy because the youngsters are now reference points for the U23s and younger athletes in turn.

Yes, I’m almost certain there will be continuity as Italy returns to the international level, and among the women, aside from the problems Gismondi had last season, we have talented and hungry girls.”

Watch the full interview with Dario Puppo and Cristian Zorzi in the accompanying video: footage by Dolomiti Media House.