It was his seasonal goal: to go to the world championships and hit a top ten. But from October to today, many things have changed in the world of Silvia Persico, who with the passing of the season has found awareness, confidence, her first tricolor cyclocross jersey and an impressive pedal stroke.
State of grace confirmed on the most important day of the year, with the 24-year-old from Cene who climbed to the third step of the podium, giving Italy a historic medal eight years after the one won by Eva Lechner in 2014.
It was preceded by two sacred monsters of the movement, such as Marianne Vos, with her seventh world title in her career, and Lucinda Brand. But, as mentioned, Silvia Persico was placed behind the two champions, who rewrote the predictions of those who expected a purely orange finish order.
And she did it with a very high level competition.
When at the end of the first lap Vos, Brand and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado took off, the Bergamo rider was not satisfied with running for a place, but she launched herself in pursuit of the leading trio. Engagement occurred in the middle of the second lap, when Lucinda Brand accelerated again by taking the Italian champion off the wheel. But showing character and a lot of head Silvia Persico remained in the running, putting Alvarado in the sights and playing for the bronze medal.
Unlike what happened in Bogense in 2019, this time it was the Bergamo rider who got the better of her, taking advantage of a rival’s mistake and going to take the first world champion medal of a career that seems to still give her a lot of satisfaction.
The US trip was less fortunate for Eva Lechner, who on a track not suited to her characteristics, closed her twelfth world championship in 14th place. Good start for the Bolzano driver, who had to leave the company of the leading squad at the end of the first lap. Despite the poor feeling on the fast Arkansas track, the Bolzano driver still held out, finishing her effort 2 ‘and 48 “from the winner.
Now, after this unexpected and very sweet bronze and without forgetting the victory in the test event of the relay team signed by Lucia Bramati and Silvia Persico, all that remains is to wait for the last race that will see an athlete from FAS Airport Services engaged: Sunday at 13:00 (20:00 in Italy) Lucia Bramati will participate in her first world championship among the Under 23s.