WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO
Gareth Wittstock ( in the middle ) welcoming the greatest stars of international cycling , from left to right : Thor Hushovd , Michael Valgren , Philippe Gilbert , Steven Kruijsvijk , Peter Sagan , Matteo Trentin , Jasper Stuyven and Tim Wellens ( Principality of Monaco , November 2021 )
: Did your parents support you in your sporting passion ?
MT : I started very early , when I was just seven years old . Although at that early stage you begin to become familiar with the discipline together with your mates , my family and I considered it as a game , like football or any other sport for children . Moreover , my father used to accompany me to sports trips which were quite long sometimes . I can say that I always had the support of both my parents .
: You started competing as a professional rider in 2011 , how has your life changed since then ?
MT : Everything has got new meaning for me . I also became aware that I was receiving monetary compensation on the basis of my qualities and on what I achieved . The downside was that I needed to raise my sporting level day by day . Since then , my knowledge has constantly improved , and it keeps on improving both for me and for all those around me . In other words , it is just the difference between going to a fast food or to a classy restaurant . Of course , all this leads you to spend much more time away from home and much more hours of bike training as well as retreats .
© CMteam Live Your Passion role . In Cycling , everyone follows a tailormade schedule .
Typically , my annual commitment is divided into three stages . The first part is devoted to Northern monument races , notably Milano — Sanremo , the Amstel Gold Race and Paris — Roubaix . In the second part , I usually attend the great Tours in Italy , France and Spain . Lately , I participate in the world championship , if it fits my technical profile , or in further end-of-season challenges .
: Do you have any special good omen ritual before , during or after the race ?
MT : Nothing special apart from calling home to hear if everything goes well and
greet my children . I always do this before I hit the road .
: How do you manage your sporting professional activity alongside the role of father ?
MT : My wife , Claudia , gives me great help , luckily . Of course , it is not always easy to manage the two things . But this prompts you to evaluate the time you spend with your family . I feel the need to enjoy every moment with my children , taking advantage of their young age . Otherwise , time passes quickly and soon you see them as adults . When I am at home I always try to help , taking them to school , picking them up , helping them studying , playing with them …
: On the 28th November 2021 , you were the “ testimonial ” for Monaco BEKING , the first Monaco Criterium Race entirely focused on cycling where professional cyclists , from major world Teams , and amateurs could ride ‘ at the same level ’ to best celebrate this exceptional sport . How did you feel achieving this important goal , on which you had been working for a long time ?
MT : Everything was realized with the precious contribution of Live Your Passion , by my wife , and AWE International Group . The basic idea was to give back something valuable to the Principality , a Country who warmly welcomed me and many other colleagues , allowing us to benefit from this safe environment and amazing micro-climate . We decided then to make an event able to raise awareness on the usefulness of riding a bi-
: You succeeded in some of the most iconic international races of cycling , notably the Giro d ’ Italia , the Tour de France , the Spanish Vuelta and much more , how do you get ready for facing these challenges ?
MT : I train myself daily to achieve results . Each week is different from the others and it depends on the season . Generally speaking , I am used to cycling for three consecutive days , then a 24-hour rest and one or two more days of workout . But it can always vary according to your Team ’ s targets and your
© Monaco BEKING 2021
Matteo Trentin performing in the Monaco BEKING Criterium Race together with some of the greatest international cyclists ( Port Hercules , 28th November 2021 )
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