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At Eicma, there are motorcycles, fans, riders, and more, like Sofia Goggia, who was among the guests at the Rho Fiera Milano fair. We're usually used to seeing her on skis but, in her free time, the champion from Bergamo won't miss out on a motorcycle ride.
Apparently, a passion for two wheels has affected the athlete, who has become an Ambassador for Ducati. As we know, Sofia is struggling with her recovery, caused by an injury to her right tibia and malleolus in February, but she'll be leaving for America on Monday.
Awaiting her will be a month of preparation, as she aims at being ready for the first races. We intercepted her before she left for Colorado and talked about what she's been facing in recent months and her future.
"If I have to think about my career, which has been conditioned by injuries, I maybe shoud pat myself on the back for all the difficulties I've faced and then overcome," she began. "In the end, however, this is my destiny, and I've always managed to come back. However, as you know, I'm now back from a serious injury. In fact, I haven't skied for eight months and such a long absence takes its toll. But I'm of the opinion that, with dedication, inelligence, nd work, you can then start again. I know I have so much ahead of me. Inside, I'm willing to push ahead and sweat."
Where does Sofia Goggia start again?
"I'm restarting from a question: 'what do I really want?' In times of difficulty, dictated by injury or personal crisis, I always ask myself 'what do I want?' Then, later, I try to create a suitable path for myself to follow in order to get to the goal. Of course, there's also the support of people, but then it's up to me to make a difference, since no one can replace you."
In recent months, you received incredible support from fans ...
"It's true! I'm very proud of this aspect because people love me and I feel it. When I compete, I wear the tricolor. There are those who are crushed under the weight of a nation and those who are supported. This is the case for me, because I've always felt a lot of warmth from the people."
We see you on skis but, at the same time, we've seen you talking about the success of Atalanta's Europa League in Bergamo, as well as riding motorcycles. Ducati, by the way, has bet big on you ... Do you have a future as a rider?
"Our phrase is, 'not just skiing.' I live skiing to its fullest, giving it my all, but I have many other passions. One of them is motorcycling, knowing how dangerous it is. In fact, I always try to be careful."
Let's talk a little about speed. What's your perception of speed on skis and on a motorcycle?
"I have a Ducati Scrambler. When I'm on a motorcycle, above 100 km/h, I start to feel vibrations. On skis, I've reached 140 km/h, and the perception is also dictated by the snow. Let's say that, on skis, I feel safer than on a motorcycle," she said, smiling. "In the end, speed has always been an existential condition that I've always lived with."
We know you've also been on the track with the motorcycle...
"That's right! I've already been on the track with Dainese at Franciacorta. Manuel Poggiali was there as a coach, and it was a wonderful experience, since I got to ride for about fifteen minutes."
Speaking of bikes. What do you expect from the grand finale in Barcelona between Pecco and Martin?
"I'm a fan of Bagnaia. I really like him as a person. This year, he's had many victories, but a lot of zeros, and these count a lot because, in the end, consistency makes the difference. I hope Pecco brings it home, but only Martin can lose it."
What about Marquez, though?
"He's a great rider, but I'm always focused on Pecco and Jorge. Let's say Marc is the game changer of the situation. He can either fall at the second corner or win, kind of like me on skis. You never know what to expect, because he either wins it or loses it. We're all curious to see how this season will end."
