My love for the cobbles is in my DNA

Letizia Borghesi is an atypical Italian. Having been born in Cles, a small town in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, one would expect her to have a deep affection for the majestic mountains of the area which have inspired such a rich body of literature, from mythology and folklore to travel writing and fiction.

Instead, she is fascinated by the northern cobblestones – those ruthless and uneven roads which 2000 years ago were durable highways that connected the many provinces of the Roman Empire, facilitating trade and cultural exchange, and thus shaping the world.

Ahead of the Opening Weekend, we sat down to talk with Letizia not only about her connection with the cobbles and the Classics – which dates back to her years as a teenager – but also about finding her place in the AG Insurance – Soudal structure and what makes riding for this squad so special.

 

“I had a really good winter preparation. I’ve added some cyclo-cross races to my program, like I used to do in the past, but I have also worked on intensity, and I’m really satisfied with how everything went; it was a smooth preparation.

I enjoy being on this team, because I’ve found here a good balance between the scientific and professional part and an environment that allows me to keep growing and improving. Everyone, from riders to staff, gave me a warm welcome and I am super happy with how I feel here after my first months.

My maiden race with AG Insurance – Soudal was one to remember. After some bad luck on the opening day of Valenciana, where I crashed, I bounced back twenty-four hours later and got onto the podium, which brought me a lot of satisfaction. Then, on the last stage, I managed to stay with some really strong climbers and finish top ten, so all in all, it served as a good preparation for the Spring Classics and I concluded the race happy with my level and shape displayed there.”

 

“Now it’s time for Omloop, the first Classic of the season, and I’m arriving at the start in good condition and with a lot of confidence. Our goal is to try to get the best possible result as a team. We go there with a strong squad, and I want to be able to follow the best riders on the climb and help the squad get a strong result. Actually, my ambitions don’t stop at Omloop, as we have a roster that gives us several cards to play in the Classics, and that’s why we want to be among the protagonists in all the key appointments of March and April.

I love the Belgian Classics. I just love racing there. I love the cobbles, the climbs, and the bad weather. I can’t explain why, but I remember many years ago someone telling me I’m more Belgian than Italian on the inside, which I found quite funny, but I guess it’s true when it comes to cycling. It’s also true that I have some cyclo-cross experience, but I think that my love for the cobbles goes deeper than that, it’s in my DNA.

When I was 18, I raced for the first time in Flanders, and although I got dropped from the main peloton, I promised myself that one day I would return there and make these races my own. I felt something special that day, a connection that only motivated me to become stronger and do better in the future.

Since that day, just seeing a cobbled climb gives me a huge boost of adrenaline; if it were possible, I would race the whole season in Flanders and on the pavé. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to be at the start of the cobbled Classics this year together with a Belgian team.”