There is no doubt that Gaia Realini has been one of the fastest-rising talents in the cycling world. She has made quite some accomplishments at just 21 years of age. And now, The rider is all set to step up her game by signing a contract with the world-level team, Trek-Segafredo. The contract will be effective from 2023.
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This switch has always been a dream for the Isolmant-Premac-Vittoria rider, who is overjoyed with the realization of it. Realini conveyed her happiness in simple words, saying:
This is a dream that comes true, I am super excited,I have always looked at Trek-Segafredo as the best team in the peloton. A unique style, the image of the perfect team. I couldn’t really ask for better for my future.
Gaia Realini entered the cycling world at Giro d’Italia Donne 2021, where she managed to turn quite a few heads with her performance. She stood second in the youth classification while finishing 11th overall. She also finished twice in the top 10 at Prato Nevoso and Riale Di Formazza Cascate Del Toce. She continued to outperform herself at the Giro this year as well. While she took the third position in the youth classification, she became the top climber.
Realini knew what big an opportunity the Giro was to showcase her talent and she fully exploited it as well. She said:
It was the first, real chance to show the world who I was, to draw attention to myself. So far I have experienced professional cycling in a small reality, very different from what I will find next year
She continued to add:
To be honest, beyond what I could see from the outside, I don’t even really know what to expect. It will be a huge leap in quality, with so many new things to discover. Definitely, the best I could aspire to grow
Elisa Longo Borghini and Elisa Balsamo will be joining Realini. Realini disclosed that Elisa Longo Borghini has always been her role model in the cycling world and that she eagerly waits to learn from her. She praised Elisa Longo Borghini as a true ideal:
I have always followed her with great admiration, both on TV and now in the peloton. She’s my point of reference. Learning from her is one of my goals
Although she has a vast scope, Realini will focus more on road racing in the upcoming year. She looks forward to being a part of the team at the Women’s WorldTour.
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Featured Image Via YouTube/ ultimokm ciclismoabruzzo
