Interview: Anna Sanchis Chafer
Interview with 21 year old Spanish climbing talent Anna Sanchis Chafer
of the Safi-Pasta Zara-Manhattan team.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hi, my name is Anna Sanchis Chafer. I was born on October 18, 1987 in Xątiva.
I started cycling when I was five years old. I have been linked to cycling from
the moment I was born because my father was a professional cyclist. He also
owns a bike shop.
Why did you choose cycling as your sport?
It's a sport that is carried in my blood. Since I was born I was raised with
the bike. My father was a professional and my grandparents were very fond of
cycling as well. So I followed my dad's footsteps.
What kind of rider is Anna Sanchis Chafer?
I'm a climber. I'm a lightweight for the mountains, but I don't have many strengths
for the flat races.
Anna Sanchis Chafer
Photo
© 2009 Bart Hazen
What hobbies do you have next to cycling?
I am a medical student and I am also a musician, I play the Cello.
What do you expect from the 2009 season?
I'm highly motivated and keen to do well and to do better than in 2008.
What performance/achievement you are the most proud of?
The seventh place in the Giro d'Italia is the best outcome we got, but my participation
in the Olympics was another major challenge, in the beginning of 2008, that
I finally could achieve
You are riding for Safi - Pasta Zara. Can you tell
us more about the 2009 team?
We met the team a few weeks ago. I have met almost all the girls and the group
is very young and very motivated. I believe we can achieve important things
because in addition we have the experience of Diana Ziliute and Giorgia Bronzini.
I am sure we will learn a lot from them.
With Eneritz Iturriaga you have a compatriot on the
team. Is that an advantage for you to speak Spanish sometimes instead of Italian
or another language all the time?
It is always comfortable to have a compatriot in the team, especially at first,
even if you do not speak the language (Italian) well. But I love Italian and
I'm learning quickly.
What do you prefer the most in racing?
I prefer very hard and long races with many climbs. That's what I like the most.
What race has been a favorite of yours?
The Giro D'Italia, no doubt about that.
What race will be the 2009 debut for you and the team?
And how does your schedule more or less look like.
I had to undergo a knee operation in December which delayed my preparation and
as a result, my season debut also. If my knee is OK I will make my season debut
in the Fleche Wallonne.
You finished seventh in the Giro Donne last year and
you were one of the revelations of the race. Did you expect that good result?
I didn't expect it. I knew I could do well if I was in top shape; but when I
was riding along the best riders, that I didn't expect.
Who has motivated you and what is motivating you in
your career?
At this time what motivates me the most is to recover from my knee operation,
and to continue cycling, and to show that I can ride fast on a bike.
What does your ideal preparation look like for the
new season?
My preparation is focused on the Giro D'Italia. The preparation is more or less
the same as in 2008. So I've started to train to achieve a good shape for the
month of July.
What are your goals for the 2009 season? and if you
don't mind
. long term career goals as a person and cyclist?
My 2009 goals are primarily focused on the Giro d'Italia. I hope to be on the
same level as last year and hopefully improve on it. For the long term, I hope
to finish my studies and be an excellent doctor, a career full of successes
and just be happy.
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