Interview Filippo Agostinacchio

Italy has a new bunch of off-road talents in the field. Last weekend, a new name showed himself on the international level. Filippo Agostinacchio became vice-European champion in the U23 category. The 21 years old rider is ambitious for a new Winter and will include many high profile races in his schedule to further close the gap to the mature elite riders. He won his first medal at an international championship this year, and it might not be his last. Get to know already one of the riders who might represent a new talented Italian generation very often in the coming years.

You recently became runner-up at the Cyclocross Euros. How do you look back at that day?

It was a very special day. My brother became european champion and I was so excited that during the pre-race recon I almost fell on the hurdles. I had a bad start but I felt reallt good from the beginning so I was able to close a couple gaps to the front.

Later in the race I was a bit out of energy and my brain was set to win a medal, so I didn’t take any risks. Looking back at the race, other than making some mistakes in the first half of the race, I regret not trying to attack on the hurdles on the last lap as I was the only one in the front jumping them. I chose to be responsible and win a medal instead of risking a fall, but if I want to get better that has to change.

What are your further ambitions for this Winter?

At the moment I am taking a week off the bike, I’ll return racing in December for the World Cup season. I’m looking forward to see where my level is at in the Flemish crosses compared to last year. I am also talking to the team regarding a possible step-up to the elite national championships as this is my last year U23, but if they won’t let me do it I will do my best to defend the U23 title. As for the World Championships, I still don’t know the track in Lievin but a Top5 is the goal.

You also took part in road & gravel races this season. How do you feel about combining three disciplines?

I switched to road racing from CX two seasons ago, and it took longer than expected to get to a decent level. This year I struggled in the first part of the season with some issues with the team, but when I found the confidence and another team for next year things began to fall in place. I started to perform really well and podiumed in some National races, with a lot of breakaway kms in the International races. I also picked up gravel racing this year thanks to Pontoni, and I came third in the National Championships. I think a road/cross rider finds himself very comfortable on a gravel bike.

Italy had many talented women in cyclocross in the past few years. You believe that your results can inspire many young Italian men too?

Yeah, I mean I am also a consequence of someone else’s results. Stefano Viezzi last year proved to us Italians that we can have our own place in the international cross scene, and me and my brother are following this path. I hope things are going to stay that way and that new talents keep on coming.

Who's your inspiration?

I don’t have a real inspiration at the moment. I’ve had different sources during the years, but I found that trying to emulate someone else didn’t work for me. Everyone has its own developing arch so I just focus on doing everything I can to keep my dream alive: to become a professional cyclist

What are your favourite tracks or terrains?

My favorite track is Namur, it was my first real result in the junior ranks and I fell in love with it from the start. I perform well on fast and climbing tracks, but I still have to get better when the terrain becomes muddy and it is needed to run a lot. I had an injury at my lower back and pain is less controllable when speeds are low and a lot of power is needed.

What is your biggest interest outside cycling?

I really like to travel and discover new places and cultures. Especially new cuisines.

What do you think about the World Cup format?

I think it is a better approach than last year, with less events and more concentrated in December/January. It gives a bit of breathing room in November after the Euros before fully committing.

On the other hand classic kersteperiode crosses are a bit penalised and that’s a shame. I think it would be better if they took in consideration that even if it’s right to try and internationalise cross, it is still a Benelux based sport and that’s where the biggest income comes from.