The opening round of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships brought a lively atmosphere to the heart of the Le Albere district, start and finish for the time trial on Thursday, September 15. Among the winners were the eternal Jeannie Longo, and the 87-year-old South African highlander, Arthur Duncan, who proclaimed “I pedal to inspire.”
In a world that’s emerging from the darkness of a pandemic, an event such as the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Trento, which kicked off today, September 15, with the individual time trial, couldn’t fail to bring a smile to the faces of those lucky enough to experience the lively atmosphere that’s been oriented around the rainbow event in the provincial capital.
The organizational structure is the same as last year’s memorable European Cycling Championships in Trento, starting with the synergy between APT Trento Monte Bondone, Trento Eventi Sport, and the organizational prowess of Maurizio Evangelista, and ending with world-class logistics and facilities. All contributing factors are worthy of the rainbow jerseys that will be awarded in the Trentino capital from today until Sunday, September 18, the day of the eagerly anticipated Granfondo and Mediofondo.
What’s changed are the cyclists, who represent a kaleidoscope of experiences that give depth to their humanity first, and their athletic performance second. Today, Thursday, 561 athletes took to the start of the individual time trial, which took place over 19.6 kilometers. The race route traced the course of the 2021 European time trial and harnessed the prestige of an event that’s already brought more than 4000 people to Trento, including athletes and their supporters.
While one always goes to a world championship to win, winning (or not) counts less to a certain extent. “Being here and taking part in a world championship is first and foremost a reason to get together, to be together once again to cycle all together,” expressed Jeannie Longo, who has won eight world titles as an elite athlete and won yet another one today in the amateur category for her 60-64 age group. She wrinkled her nose at her time of 29.55 (“I wanted to finish under 28 minutes,” she said), but her smile was that of someone who was having a good day, and above all of someone who was right where she wants to be.
Among the athletes who rolled down the start ramp at the Albere in the morning and afternoon sessions, were athletes with fewer performance ambitions, but with extraordinary passion. A group representing Mongolia drew the crowd’s admiration. The travelers took advantage of the trip to Italy to introduce Trento to an infant only a few months old, who was also in the finish area today.
“It’s our first time in Italy, and Trento is really beautiful. Yes, it’s quite different from Mongolia, but beautiful.” Race results notwithstanding, the Mongolians have already achieved their goal.
The first two titles for Italy also came out of Trento: one for men and one for women. Giampaolo Busbani from the Marche region (cat. 45-49), and Maria Cristina Prati from Romagna (cat. 55-59) are new world champions.
But the most beautiful narrative from this first day is perhaps the one from Arthur Duncan, who arrived in Trento directly from South Africa with a record already in his pocket: at 87 years of age, he’s the oldest competitor. There’s only him In his age category (85-89): he only needs to cross the finish line today and again on Sunday in the Granfondo to be crowned champion. He finished his time trial with a time of 48.32, and that’s enough.
“I gave everything I had, and it was wonderful. What makes me proud is to have succeeded at my age, to have done it for myself. I hope to be an inspiration to many.”
Judging by the applause in Trento, his mission was perfectly accomplished.
