Cannavaro and the bike: «Fatigue and beauty what a beautiful discovery. And in Naples you will see what a show “

The eighth stage in Naples on the streets where the world hero trains and 2006 Golden Ball

POWER. Cannavaro. Cannavaro. No, we are not in Dortmund in the last minutes of Germany-Italy at the 2006 World Cup, but in a hypothetical sprint. With Fabio Cannavaro what a sprint. The 48-year-old world champion and 2006 Ballon d’Or, prince of defenses, has become a great pedaler. And on Saturday 14 May he “runs” at home in Naples.
«The Monte di Procida circuit is demanding, it will be a spectacular up and down. I’ve done that circuit several times. And then in Naples it is always a show ».
He has become a great cyclist: whose fault?

«Ivan Basso, a friend. Over a year ago, when I was still training in China, he sent me a Trek bike. I started pedaling in Guanghzou: 10 km by car out of the city by car and then off to pedal freely. There they use the bike to move around, not yet for competition ».
Basso is the king of the Zoncolan … And how are you going uphill?
«Stop there. I weigh more than 80 kg, I’m more of a fast walker. Then if there is a climb I do it, every now and then I climb Vesuvius. Power meter, constant watts, I take my rhythm and suffer ».
Is the bike for you?
«Freedom, tranquility. Running on foot is not good for me, the fault of the cartilage in the knees. So I pedal for 3-4 hours and then I can eat what I want because I don’t get fat ».
Who were you cheering for?
«Well, Pantani was the Maradona of cycling, there is no doubt».

And among the 2006 World Champions who sees well in the saddle?
«Perrotta and Grosso pedal. The others? Attention to ride a bike you have to want to suffer (laughs ed) ».

Do your children use bikes?
“Yes all. Although when they see me leaving with my onesie they smile. Be warned though, the roads here are not safe. Abroad I have seen much more attention for the cyclist with cycle paths, dedicated routes and more discipline on the roads. In Spain or Northern Europe there have been signs inviting cyclists and motorists to respect each other and respect the distance of 1.5 meters for years, not here. We need to take a step forward in this direction. Cycling is the sport of the future, every day there are more and more people using the bike ».
Meanwhile, with the Giro d’Italia, a sport is on the air for his city.
«Not only for Naples. What a beauty racing these days in Sicily, Calabria and Basilicata. All of Italy is wonderful and thanks to the Giro it shows its best ».

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