Only at 4 PM last Sunday, when the shadows of darkness were almost stretching inside the "Francone" velodrome, Carlotta Borello fully realized the epic weekend that saw her as the absolute protagonist. Before the outdoor day, which earned her a double home triumph in Cantoira and San Francesco al Campo, the film enriches itself with the opening sequence. And we ideally move to the Main Hall of the University (Telematica San Raffaele), where the 23-year-old from San Bernardino di Trana - for those who don't know, near the Avigliana Lakes and Sacra di San Michele, a place of mushrooms and cycling at Colle Braida - completed her studies with flying colors: "in the name of the Italian people...", the professors' formula preceded the proclamation of Borello as a doctor in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activities (thesis on cycling between wellness and rehabilitation technique).

After getting her Master's degree (congratulations), what did Carlotta do?
"Lunch with relatives was a pleasant obligation, then I did some rollers and prepared for the 'journey' to the Lanzo valley, fortunately not too far from home. Nice feeling racing in the Turin area".

The Cantoira monologue, as peremptory as it was and for its setting (iconic meadow), similar to a picnic?
"Actually, it's a very challenging race. I took the lead immediately and my legs were spinning perfectly. That cyclocross has a particular charm".

At 23, the post-graduation chapter opens. What does Borello want to do "in life"?
"I'd like to enter the world of teaching. I believe I have a propensity for teaching, not necessarily only in cycling. I collaborate with an artistic gymnastics gym. A sport I practiced until I was 11, when I then met two wheels and a society, Sc Piossasco: that historic club put me in a position to race. Can study and sport be combined? My answer is yes, with the right dose of sacrifices and time management". But what are the many faces of daily life outside cycling? "It's made of strong friendships and emotional references, then it's nice and fulfilling to dedicate myself to reading, maybe not heavy essays but a romance novel, why not. Travel? Synonymous with cycling trips, but I claim a space for a week of relaxation with beach holidays. Last year I was in Sardinia".

Cyclocross, gravel, mtb: how strong is the off-road call?

"Almost all-encompassing. I'm proceeding step by step in setting my competitive aims, although it's clear that the next Italian championship represents a sure reference point for me. I also like to remember the years when I practiced road cycling (participation in the 2023 Giro d'Italia, ed.) and in the next season I would like to accumulate gravel experiences abroad".

What memories did San Francesco al Campo evoke?

"The track races as a junior are pleasantly remembered, they are part of a path of cycling passion. Let's say that doing cyclocross on a velodrome can be slippery, but truly a beautiful competition theater".

Workaholic, agreed: but there was something to celebrate... Sunday evening.
"I blew out the candles on the cake in front of a lifelong friend, Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini. There were many cycling friends, some former schoolmates, not least the gymnastics teachers I collaborate with".

If we say Christmas, what does Carlotta answer?

"From December 19th to January 4th, I'll be in Belgium to take part in an important calendar of events. Last year was nice, although I suffered a bit from the cold. Through these international moments, we Italians can raise the bar. Don't ask me if in two or three years I see myself able to repeat the growth of someone like Sara Casasola who is establishing herself in these contexts. I believe in it, and the Cingolani Team has invested heavily in cyclocross since last season".

A success dedicated to grandmother Anna Maria. And then?

"Can I dedicate it to myself? To those closest to me. And to the team".