After being a protagonist at the GP del Ticino by placing Alessio Rossi and Matteo Piva in the Top10, the Gruppo Sportivo Giovani Giussanesi is now ready for a new challenge, a new adventure beyond Italian borders. The Juniors directed by Giampaolo Cheula will be competing today in the GP Saint Etienne Loire, a race in the French national calendar. Just before departing for the Hexagon, tuttobiciweb reached the former professional from Ossola by phone.

Giampaolo, after the race and placements in Switzerland, now this experience in France.

"Yes, it's a new small piece of the project that we decided to undertake this year with President D'Aprile, Luca Poggiali, and Roberto Brenna. I'm truly proud to offer the boys a somewhat unique calendar thanks to the support of the Society".

For years you've emphasized that experiences abroad can be crucial for a young cyclist's growth.

"I'm strongly convinced. I believe we can draw a parallel with abroad experiences that some schools offer; it's the same for cycling. These are life experiences, opportunities for comparison".

How do athletes react to these proposals for races abroad?

"Very well. They are motivated to give their best to prove to me and the team managers that they deserve a call-up to a 'special' race. Then the idea of racing against foreign team competitors particularly motivates them; they want to do well, demonstrate their value".

I imagine this is also an important showcase for the team.

"It's an opportunity to get known and, perhaps, receive other invitations from organizers in the same country or area: this happened to me in the past when I followed other teams. We shouldn't forget that for event organizers, having one or more foreign teams is a source of pride".

How do you choose races abroad?

"For France, for example, it's important to look at their federation's website. Then you contact the organizers. Exploring is crucial, and in this, the internet and social media help a lot".

But Italian races are not lacking in the Giovani Giussanesi calendar.

"Absolutely not. In my view, activity abroad helps the athlete grow and be more performant in Italian races, in the important events. For example, I'm very happy with what my boys demonstrated in the Germano Vittoni Memorial in Piedimulera, where the podium placement narrowly escaped us".

A new opportunity to be protagonists is on the horizon, and Giovani Giussanesi will try to make the most of it by fielding Rossi, Parinotti, Piva, Muraro, Sorci, Cescato, De Mercanti, and Borrman in the GP Saint Etienne Loire.