The connection between the World Champion of Rio de Janeiro Elia Viviani and Adriatica Ionica Race is really special.
The Veronese sprinter, was the first leader of the general classification of the first historic race edition, conceived and promoted by the World Champion Moreno Argentin and, still today, he is also the athlete to hold the greatest number of stage wins (four), all obtained in 2018 edition.
It therefore no coincidence that Elia Viviani’s Olympic preparation passes through Adriatica Ionica Race’s 2021 roads. “I have wonderful memories of this race, passing near my home, there have always been many fans. Cycling wearing the Italian National team’s jersey will be something even more important. There will be three fantastic days, both for the atmosphere and the type of race. I hope that there will be many people, following the race on the roads, clearly in accordance with the heath protocols” – explained the World Champion of Vallese di Oppeano (VR).
In the race scheduled from 15th to 17th June, Elia Viviani will be the reference point of the Italian National Team led by the Head Coach Davide Cassani. Other names added to the team will be: the Friulan Davide Cimolai, the Paduan Alberto Dainese, the Veronesi Alessandro Fedeli and Michele Scartezzini, and in conclusion Francesco Romano and Francesco Lamon.
The opening stage from Trieste to Aviano is inspiring Viviani: “Among the three stages, this is the most suitable to my features: there are continuous rises and falls on routes I know well because Elena Cecchini, my partner, lives around there. When I am in Udine, we train on those roads: it is likely to be a sprint finish; it will be a good occasion to improve, I feel like winning again, who knows if it is a nice day” – said Viviani – who is also attracted by the dirt roads of Ferrara. “I like them very much, the important thing is tackling them in the first positions to avoid dangers and get ready to take advantage with an effective attack. During these kind of passages anything can happen, for this reason, we – my teammates and I – will face them aggressively.
An important step for Elia Viviani who, at the age of 32, will go to Tokyo 2021 with the aim of doing the same performance as in 2016 edition. “After doing these three stages I will return to the upland, alternating retreats to track training. Then, on 21st July, I will leave to Japan” – confirmed Elia Viviani, one of the selected flag-bearer. Adriatica Ionica Race is organised thanks to the support of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto and Emilia Romagna, and the collaboration of ENIT – National Tourism Agency.
The official start of the third edition of Adriatica Ionica Race is forthcoming: on Saturday 12th June at 10 at Palazzo Reale in Crespano of Pieve del Grappa (TV) is scheduled the press conference dedicating a specific moment to the stage in Veneto (Vittorio Veneto – Cima Grappa) to unveil further details on the queen stage of AIR 2021. The event will be attended by the Council member for Tourism of Veneto, Federico Caner, the Mayor of Pieve del Grappa as well as President of IPA Terre di Asolo and Monte Grappa, Annalisa Rampin and the representatives of the local administrations of Pedemontana area who will be involved in the passage of the race, together with Moreno Argentin.
