Modolo, the sprinter from San Vendemiano, savored the taste of victory in Luxembourg: “I was afraid of having to stop”
SAN VENDEMIANO
An ordeal lasting 43 months, between the success at the Vuelta Andalucia in February 2018 and the sharpness in the third stage of the Tour of Luxembourg last Thursday. Sacha Modolo, 34 years old from San Vendemiano, professional since 2010, 48 pro centers, tells of his resurrection. The tears for the nightmare ended.
Modolo, what did you think when you realized you had won? “I remembered the thousand doubts that haunted me for three and a half years. When I thought of quitting and my wife, Valentina, insisted that I would make it, that one day I would return to victory. When I watched the Giro from home this year and each stage was agony for me. No, I didn’t think I could go back to winning. The dedication is for my wife, who has supported and endured me in these long months ».
What does it mean not to win for a sprinter accustomed to collecting claims in series since he was a kid? «It is one thing not to win, because you don’t have legs and then you can put your heart in peace. Another is finding yourself held back by too many problems, always different. So it’s frustrating, mentally kills you. You are always forced to chase ».
The troubles had started with eating disorders related to five “fungi” in the stomach and intestines. But already two years ago, Giuliano Poser, Messi’s nutritionist, had found the solution for her. What happened then? “Just when I was recovering, I came to terms with a season, last year, totally upset by the Covid emergency. Then, last December, the ilio-tibial band syndrome was added. A painful inflammation. That takes time, doesn’t care overnight. It happened that, the day after a workout, I couldn’t even go up the stairs. It happened that, during a training session, I had to call my wife, because I couldn’t go on any longer ».
When did your 2021 start? “Late. In April I was in Turkey, but I retired on the fourth stage. Then, at the end of June, I ran the Italian, but just to be present. I started seriously at the end of July, in Wallonia ».
When did you realize you could be a “runner” again? “At the Vuelta, sprinting at Philipsen. Which, however, has won a couple. There I understood, that at least I could have carved out a new space for myself. Helping other sprinters win. At 34, he can fit in. I was already happy, then the success in Luxembourg also came. I repeat, I really didn’t believe it ».
Programs now? “Four more races, all in France and as a trailblazer for Philipsen. Paris-Tours included ».
Next year? “I do not know yet. I would like to stay at Alpecin, but I realize that in two years I have only collected one victory. Pulling the sprints to others, however, could open up new perspectives for me ».
Curiosity: the hug between her and Andrea Vendrame after the cheer in Luxembourg did not escape. «At the last kilometer he yelled at me ‘go, Saka’. And he was the first to congratulate after arrival. We are good friends, he has been very close to me in the last year ». –
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