It's a period full of commitments and satisfactions that Arianna Fidanza is currently experiencing. After opening the season with a fourteenth place at the Trofeo Marratxi-Felanitx, celebrating victory in the Pionera Race and coming close to the podium at the Clasica de Almeria, the cyclist from Bergamo at Laboral Kutxa - Fundación Euskadi will be competing in Belgium starting today, where she will face Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Omloop van het Hageland and Samyn.

Before traveling to Northern Europe, Arianna agreed to tell tuttobiciweb about the first weeks of her sporting year, her thirteenth season in elite women's cycling.

Arianna, from Spain to Belgium. For you, many races and also good results in this first stretch of 2026.

"It's true. The team is giving me the opportunity to race a lot in this first part of the season and I feel that my condition is good. I'm very happy with my start to the year: I came close to the top-10 several times but above all that victory I've been missing since 2023 finally arrived. The fourth place last Sunday was also a confirmation. The form and the power are there."

How did you prepare during the winter? Your sister Martina at our microphone, complimenting you, spoke of many sacrifices.

"Sacrifices are part of everyday life for those of us who do this sport and want to stand out—everyone makes them. I decided to change my coach and entrust myself to Fabio Baronti. I discuss a lot with him, and together we've modified the way I train: we realized that 'pushing' hard in training isn't suitable for my body. So we focused more on preparation better suited to my characteristics. For example, in previous years, I tried to improve on long climbs but I'm not that type of athlete. I'm a fast passer and it's better to work on my strengths. What's certain is that I've put in a lot of effort."

Commitment and changes in your preparation have brought you back with your arms raised to the sky.

"It was needed. A success that's been missing for so long. Even last year I started well but then I had some setbacks and an injury affected me mentally. The victory at the Pionera Race gives morale and great satisfaction—it was the culmination of something I was chasing but didn't achieve in 2025."

Who is this success dedicated to?

"First and foremost to myself. I rarely put myself first, but now I do because I've found a lot of inner strength that I didn't think I had. I want to dedicate this result also to my family, to my boyfriend Mirco, who support me every day, and to all those people who are always by my side."

Now the focus is on the Belgian races. How are you approaching this trip?

"Three demanding days await me with Nieuwsblad, Hageland and Samyn. There will be a large field, I'd like to make a good impression and take advantage of my good condition but I know that in Belgium it's not just about form—you need to read the race well, be in the right place at the right moment and keep your eyes open and be 'smart'."

Cunning and experience are certainly not lacking in Arianna. Neither are morale and conviction that she can do well: she's demonstrated this several times in this interview. Starting today, the challenges in Belgium await her, and we know she'll prove her worth.