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Manuel Oioli takes flight in the U23 ranks
In a triumphant week, Q36.5 Continental Team’s rising star, Manuel Oioli, soared to back-to-back victories, capturing the prestigious UCI U23 International race “Trofeo Città di Brescia” and the classic Coppa Medicea.
22 July 2024.
These wins catapulted the young Italian to the top step of the podium for the first time this season, marking a significant milestone for both Oioli and the Conti team.
Despite several podium finishes this season, the elusive big win had evaded Oioli until July 2nd in Brescia. Reflecting on last year’s 6th place finish, the 21-year-old knew the criterium-like course suited his aggressive racing style. He approached the race with a determined mindset, ready to seize the moment.
“Cittá di Brescia is important because it’s an international UCI race. It’s like a crit race with a short lap of approximately 5km, repeated 21 times. There’s a 1km climb, a 1km technical downhill, and a 3km flat section. It’s challenging with many corners, demanding an aggressive approach. I joined a big breakaway for nearly half the race, with five of us leading the charge,” Oioli recounted.
Among the select few at the front were tough competitors: defending champion Federico Guzzo, Edoardo Zamperini from UC Trevigian, and André Ponomar and Kyrylo Tsarenko from Team Corratec. As the 121.8km race drew to a close, the lead group dwindled to three. In a thrilling final sprint, Oioli emerged victorious, outpacing his rivals in a spectacular dash to the finish line.
“It was a strong trio, but I believed in my sprint. Winning my first race of the year was a fantastic feeling. I had been waiting for this moment since the start of the season,” admitted Oioli, who carried his momentum forward, claiming victory at La Medicea in Lazzeretto just four days later.
La Medicea makes two in a row
The La Medicea race, with its six laps of a 25km circuit, presented a different challenge but one that Oioli was ready to tackle. He made his decisive move on the penultimate lap, with only Valerii Shtin and Roman Ermakov from CTF managing to stay in contention. Raffaele Veneri from Sissio Team later bridged to the front, and the quartet opened a significant gap. Oioli, playing his tactics wisely, covered the late attacks and secured another sprint victory.
“The race was tough and long, with high temperatures and a significant breakaway early on. My teammates, Travis Stedman and Mirko Bozzola, supported me well. The decisive moment came in the final 40km. I was confident in my sprint but had to cover several attacks. Winning again was important to confirm my good form after Brescia. Two victories in a row are crucial for me and the team,” Oioli shared.
Training and Racing with the Pros
These two victories within five days were a perfect way to open his account in the 2024 season, continuing the momentum from his morale-boosting win at the GP Ezio del Rosso in 2023. At 21, Oioli is eager to take the next step in his career, drawing inspiration and experience from racing and training alongside the pros of the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team.
“Training and racing with the pro riders is incredible. They teach us a lot about improving our training methods. I just finished a significant block of altitude training in Livigno with the pro team, and this experience will be vital for the second half of the season,” Oioli emphasized.
With 41 race days under his belt in 2024, Oioli is on track for his best season yet. He is focused on upcoming races, particularly the GP di Poggiana and Trofeo di Briga in August, where he aims to improve on last year’s performances. He also has high hopes for the Ruota d’Oro in Tuscany.
Goals and ambitions
“I’m looking forward to the important races in the latter part of the season. GP di Poggiana is an exciting UCI race in Veneto, where I finished third last year. Trofeo di Briga, just 5km from my home, is another favorite. The training camp in Livigno was perfect for my preparations. Another UCI victory would be a dream come true and a step closer to turning professional next year,” Oioli concluded.
In 2023, Manuel Oioli was a standout rider in the U23 Q36.5 Conti Team, securing 13 top-10 finishes and one victory. This season, the fast and versatile rider from Borgomanero is poised to surpass these achievements and solidify his reputation as one of Italy’s promising young talents.
Discover the Q36.5 Conti Team riders here.
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