Two years ago the last success before today, at the Italian championship which was held in Tuscany, at his home
In one of the first sentences he said after the finish line, Alberto Bettiol is all there: “Do I win every two years? Yes, but if the successes are so good then it’s worth the wait.” The Tuscan is the man of business who lacks continuity, his history teaches this. Not for nothing, once both Vincenzo Nibali and Sonny Colbrelli retired, he remained the only active Italian to have won a monument classic, the 2019 Tour of Flanders. At the Giro d’Italia he had won another stage, in Stradella, a few years ago, in similar heat conditions and always with an action from afar. Two years ago the last success before today, at the Italian championship which was held in Tuscany, at his home.
the thirteenth stage
—
The progress of this stage in Verbania was reminiscent of that of a stage of the Tour de France in 2022 but in reverse: that time it was Bettiol who pulled away from Michael Matthews on the climb, but then he was caught and the Australian went on to win. Bettiol had been aiming for this stage in Verbania for some time also because his partner, Lisa, is from these parts. And even the route suited him perfectly, but it wasn’t easy to get the right breakaway and he did it. Bettiol has a passion for flying, and is also one of the last interpreters of cycling with a romantic flavour, not necessarily linked to power data, to watts. Could he have won more than he did? The answer is certainly yes. But would he have been happier? Most likely not. When he won the Tour of Flanders, seven years ago, he made an ironic gesture to the camera as if to say: did you recognize me this time? I won. Then it must also be said that since that moment cycling has undergone a substantial change, a generation of a few champions has emerged led by Tadej Pogacar who leaves crumbs to the others. It’s not easy to put your head out there but today Bettiol managed to do it, he did it. He found his loved ones celebrating him at the finish line and was even happier. Until the next undertaking, perhaps allowing a little less time to pass. At 32 and a half years old, it’s still not too late. Because Bettiol has a very important quality, class. And she doesn’t train, which is why she’s right not to set limits after today’s success in Verbania.