Wearing the European champion's body, Martina Fidanza finished second in the Scratch event at the Velodromo Pavesi in Fiorenzuola last night. After climbing the podium of the GP Inox 80 alongside winner Tsuyaka Uchino and third-place Maho Kakita, the rider from Bergamo declared to tuttobiciweb: "I particularly wanted to race this Scratch, I wanted to honor the event at my best. Opportunities to wear the European champion's jersey are always few, and it's nice to do it in Italy. I did my usual sprint, I started long and was making a comeback, but the Japanese Uchino was stronger tonight (yesterday for readers, ed). In this race, the level is high and winning is not a given, so I'm happy with second place".

A couple of weeks ago, Martina had won the last stage of the Baloise Ladies Tour, beating Barbara Guarischi and Chiara Consonni at the Zwevegem finish line. "It was a very emotional (third seasonal, ed) and unexpected victory. In the Baloise Ladies Tour, we had decided to 'divide' the stages to target with my teammate Nienke Veenhoven, who managed to win the second stage. In the last stages, the team allowed me to try to seize my opportunity. In the penultimate stage, we were in a good position, we managed to break the group and make a selection, but then we got a bit lost, so we tried again on the last day. Despite a big group crash five kilometers from the finish, my teammates helped me a lot to get back and I could sprint. I didn't expect to win," said the 25-year-old cyclist.

This season, Visma Lease a Bike has strengthened the sprinters' group, as Fidanza confirms: "Already in December of last year, I understood that there was a desire to create a great project, and I perceived a lot of dedication in this regard. I'm really happy to have found a team that believes in athletes with a fast sprint and in the group's growth. Everything is going well, and the victories we've collected in sprints this season prove it. Looking ahead, it will be nice to continue like this".

We also discussed a current topic like the Tour de France Femmes. Although not part of the yellow team that raced on French roads, the Lombard athlete rejoiced at her teammate Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's victory: "It was 'goosebump' worthy. I followed the stages on television from home, and being part of this group is really beautiful. It's wonderful to be alongside two champions like Pauline and Marianne. Seeing their journey up close, their growth, realizing with how much dedication and concentration they prepare their goals and seeing how they build great victories, two champions with a capital C, is a great opportunity to learn and grow".

In conclusion, the Blue athlete anticipated some of her upcoming competitive commitments: "In the next few days, I'll go to altitude training for three weeks and then do the Simac Tour, which is an important race for our team. Following that, I have races in France and Canada, and then I'll focus on preparing for the World Championships on the track".