Memories and analysis of the Vicenza, winner of the Giro and Vuelta forty years ago. “Today I don’t see phenomena, in my time Italy had so many champions”
BELLUNO
The Belluno mountains evoke sweet memories to Giovanni Battaglin. Today 71 years old, in 1981 he won Vuelta and Giro succeeding where only the sacred monster Eddy Merckx “dared” before him.
«I took the pink jersey on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo», he recalls with a hint of emotion, even if modern cycling no longer represents his world.
What memories do you have of Fedaia?
«In my years at the Giro I faced it both uphill and downhill. It is a road that does not allow for improvisation, it is highly selective, whether it is downhill or uphill. If the general classification is still in the balance, tomorrow we will see some good ones ».
What are your memories of the uphill roads in the Belluno area?
«The sweetest memories are linked to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo where in 1981 I won the pink jersey which, a twist of fate, I took to the Verona Arena. Just like it will happen this year. I won in San Vigilio di Marebbe, then the next day I took the pink jersey on the Tre Cime by taking it off to Silvano Contini. I also like to remember the arrival in Pecol. It was the year before, 1980. I was in a group, there were all the best. Before the start of the climb I got a puncture. Putting the bike back in place, I set off with momentum. First I took back the group, then I detached it, arriving first at the finish line which was set on the pass. That Giro left me some regrets, in retrospect I am sure that with a different management of my forces I would have brought home not only that stage but the whole race, which then went to Bernard Hinault ».
How has cycling changed in recent years?
«Today we are talking about another sport, for many reasons. First of all the technology. Today’s bicycles are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. They boast an abacus to handle the marches. In our time we had six available. Another important aspect should not be underestimated: the roads. Today they are refurbished thanks to the passage of the pink race, in our times the holes were the masters. Another crucial aspect concerns nutrition. Today’s energy bars guarantee the necessary support in a very short time, in our times we fed ourselves with sandwiches that took several minutes before they took effect. And then the logistics: eat a sandwich on the bike. We are talking about worlds that are not different but almost opposite ».
Are there other factors that affect a great stage race like the Giro d’Italia?
«The management of a team is headed by the flagship who plays a decisive role in the race strategy. Today more than yesterday we run as a team. In our times there were no radios, contacts with the flagship were sporadic, even random when the road did not allow approaches. It was intuitive, the race strategy did not exist at all. We needed the inspiration of the champions. And in my time as champions there were so many. Hinault and Panizza were the protagonists of a great Giro in 1981, I took the first steps when in the group there were Merckx and Gimondi not to mention Moser and then later Saronni, Argentin and Baronchelli. Italy was represented by many champions, not exactly as it happens today ».
What is the moment of Italian cycling?
«I would say critical. There are no more champions, after all, access to the world of professionals has become within everyone’s reach and these are the results ».
Who will win the Giro 2022?
«I don’t see“ phenomena ”in the race. Carapaz himself has so far not given the idea of being stronger than the others. He has a very strong team on his side but we need the leap of the champion ».
What does Battaglin do today?
«I dedicate myself to the family and the company. I watch cycling from time to time on television but it no longer represents me. No one has invited me to see a stage of the Giro anymore but that’s okay even if in France former cyclists are invited to the Tour every year. I don’t ask anyone for anything. In the early post-career years I sponsored a few teams, then I realized it was just a bloodbath and I abandoned that idea too
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