Mar 13, 2011
602nds recently chatted with Italian professional cyclist from the UCI ProTeam Liquigas-Cannondale (2011), Simone Ponzi.
Ponzi is 24 years old and was born in Manerbio, Italy and turned professional in 2009 with the UCI ProTeam Lampre-NGC, joining Liquigas-Cannondale in 2011.
Ponzi’s palmare’s include 1st Under 23 National Road Race Champion 2007, 2nd Men’s Under 23 Road Race at the 2008 UCI Road World Championships, 2nd Trofeo Laigueglia, 2nd Stage 4 Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale Coppi-Bartali, and 5th in Gran Premio dell’Insubria.
602nds is pleased to present our chat with Simone Ponzi.
602nds: What is your objective for 2011?
Ponzi: My objective is to make sure I’m ready to compete in the Ardennes Classics without any fears!
602nds: What are your thoughts for Paris Nice? Have you got your eyes on a particular stage?
Ponzi: This week will be a little difficult for me, due to a knee problem. But I hope as the days go by that everything will work out ok. Technically, after the third stage, they are all good for me.
602nds: Who inspired you to start cycling?
Ponzi: I was inspired by watching races on the television.
602nds: If you were lucky enough to win a race, and then finish cycling, what would that race be?
Ponzi: The race I would like to win and then quit cycling is the Giro d’Italia.
602nds: Is there a particular cyclist in the peloton that you respect, and why?
Ponzi: In the peloton, I respect everyone. We are all professionals.
602nds: Is there a old cyclist with whom you would’ve liked to have ridden?
Ponzi: That rider would’ve been Michele Bartoli. He is a true idol.
602nds: Do you have a favourite climb?
Ponzi: The Stelvio!
602nds: Do you have any advice for someone who’s just started racing?
Ponzi: A honest piece of advice would be to have lots of passion for the sport, and to really want to do it.
602nds: Do you have any advice about eating and training?
Ponzi: To eat well. When you’re training, carbs at lunch and protein at dinner.
602nds: If you could invite 5 riders, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why? and what would you cook?
Ponzi: 5 isn’t a lot…I would say the whole of Liquigas before anyone else, as we are all really good friends. Where I’m from, there’s a meat-based dish called spiedo. It’s very good!!!
602nds: How do you take your caffe’?
Ponzi: Decaffeinated and after dinner!!
602nds would like to thank Simone for taking the time to chat and wishes him a successful 2011.
You can follow Simone on Twitter or his Official website (currently under construction)
