Paul Magnier, Antoine Huby, Kimberley Le Court and other champions from Soudal Quick Step have been cycling on the roads of Val di Fassa for several days. The team, which a few weeks ago achieved the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 victories, is in the Ladin valley for the third consecutive year for high-altitude training, which is so useful for cyclists to prepare for the races in late summer and autumn. ‘We are delighted,’ says Nicolò Weiss, director of Val di Fassa tourist board, who met the team on their day off, "to continue our collaboration with such a successful team that has chosen our mountains for its preparation. Our territory, from the climbs to the Dolomite passes and the smoother routes, is the ideal place to alternate intensive training with moments of relaxation. Among these, there's the now traditional breakfast at a farmhouse in Moena on the rest day, which is an opportunity for us to greet the athletes."
Alessandro Tegner, Marketing and Communications Manager at Soudal Quick Step, who is well acquainted with the characteristics of the Fassa area, starting with the San Pellegrino Pass, the team's base camp at the Hotel Cristallo, expressed satisfaction with the fruitful period the cyclists are enjoying in the valley. ‘The Val di Fassa allows us to do specific intensive training,’ Tegner emphasises, ‘and then, of course, there is the atmosphere that our guys appreciate, as they are now living in a constant state of stress before major events. Coming here is an opportunity to let their minds, bodies and spirits breathe, thanks also to the fact that, at almost 2,000 metres, you sleep very well and we are treated wonderfully at the hotel.’
Among the female athletes who tackle the climbs and descents of the Dolomite passes, but who also appreciate the silence and well-being of nature, is Kimberley Le Court, who, together with three other teammates, is about to set off for the Tour de France Fammes: ‘It's my first time here,’ says Le Court, champion of Mauritius, "and it's fantastic: I've just come off some very intense and stressful weeks with my team. We were all looking for a bit of peace and quiet, which is exactly what Val di Fassa is offering us: walks along Lake San Pellegrino, sound of cowbells from grazing animals in the early morning, it's all very calm and relaxing. Just what we need before heading to the Tour."
In the men's group, on the other hand, there are those who are preparing for important races such as the Tour de Pologne and La Vuelta a España. Among them is Paul Magnier, the new cycling star riding for Soudal Quick Step, who says of his time in Fassa: "I was here for the first time last year for a training camp with the team. It's a perfect place for our preparation thanks to the mountains. We can take advantage of the effects of the altitude by staying at San Pellegrino. There are many routes with breathtaking views, perfect for us and allowing us to cycle for many hours. Thanks to training here in the valley last year, I achieved very good results and I expect the same this year. In addition, the training camps in Val di Fassa allow me to spend quality time with my teammates with the hope of bringing home some great victories."
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