When we asked Eleonora Ciabocco this morning if she could be the favorite for the Under 23 title, she laughed, believing the course was extremely difficult, the athletes incredibly strong, and victory almost impossible. Yet, a few hours later, it was precisely this Marche cyclist who would wear the national jersey of her category, a beautiful, special, and definitely unexpected achievement. Her pessimism was not just for show; Eleonora truly did not believe in herself.

"I never believe in myself, I would never have thought I would be the protagonist of the under 23 race" and yet here I am with this beautiful jersey. For years in the group, I've only been struggling, today was the first time I found myself at the front for something big. It was long to get to the end, I didn't know how far the others were, I just thought about pedaling as hard as I could, only in the last 500 m did I start to realize what was happening, then at the finish line I literally melted, I freed myself," says Eleonora, still visibly emotional to tuttobiciweb. Despite her young age, she was one of the race's protagonists and literally fought tooth and nail to grab the national jersey. After crossing the finish line, Eleonora burst into tears, in an instant all the fatigue, all the tension slipped away, she had just become the Italian champion.

In the success of the Marche athlete from the PicNic Postnl team, teamwork was fundamental, despite racing only with her team companion and friend Francesca Barale, they managed to force their way and try to respond to the great formations. "Francesca and I told each other we had to be honest with each other, whoever was feeling good had to try. We knew UAE would attack, but when it happened, I lost some positions due to the strong crosswind, Barale was excellent in bringing me back. The race became tough immediately, Longo accelerated and I got on Monica Trinca Colonel's wheel, who descends very well, I closed my eyes and launched myself. Today's result is a reward for many years of training and sacrifices, this season I'm finally finding my place, growing little by little and I don't want to stop."

The dedication for the beautiful national jersey is entirely for her family, her brother, her boyfriend Marco, and that special group that migrated to Darfo Bario Terme for the Italian championships. Supporting the PicNic Posnl pair was a truly special armada composed of the home Pedale Ossolano of the Barale family and Federico's Team where Eleonora had raced in the junior category.