03/04/2012

Elia Viviani is geared up for the Track Worlds challenge
The Liquigas-Cannondale speedster is high hopes ambitious about racing in Melbourne: «I’m motivated and optimistic: I’ll give 100%»



From the road to the track, Elia Viviani doesn’t want to end his winning streak yet. Liquigas-Cannondale’s rider from Verona is competing in the Track World Championships in Melbourne, which start tomorrow Wednesday, 4th April, where he aims to win medals in the scratch, omnium and madison.



Viviani’s first date with the track is tomorrow at 20.30 local time (12.30 CET) for the scratch race, in which he won the silver medal last year. Then he’ll compete in the six races that make up the omnium on Thursday and Friday, 5th and 6th April: flying lap, points race, elimination race, individual pursuit, scratch race and the kilometre time trial. Viviani’s Australian adventure wraps up with the madison on Sunday, 8th April.



«The first fundamental things I had to do were acclimatise and get used to the time difference. » said Viviani. «Then I focused on my training sessions and testing the track: understanding the pros and cons is extremely important, and you have to study the track in minute detail to maximise every slight advantage in the race. I dedicated particular attention to the speed races in the omnium; those are the ones where I’ve still got significant room for improvement. My overall condition is good which is mainly thanks to the work I’ve done on the road with Liquigas-Cannondale: I’ve worked hard on the track to maintain that form. »



So it seems everything is set for a big performance. «I’m optimistic and motivated to get the best possible result. I don’t race for a placing; I race to win. However if my opponents are stronger then I’ll accept the result calmly: but I’ll give it 100% until the final verdict. The omnium is the most important out of all the races, especially when you think about the upcoming Olympics. I want to get, and give, encouraging signs. » Elia concluded.