To our readers the interview by Maurizio Vezzaro of La Stampa to Sandro Damilano appeared today in the daily national edition local newspaper.
Also they feed on roots of ginseng and some other plant grown from them. But that's not the secret of their strength and ability to win medals, nor the turtle soup which is rumored, indeed; at lunch they eat a lot of pasta. The real secret of their success lies in the daily work, if anything, explains Sandro Damilano, 66, coach of the Chinese national race walking team, hotel guest Riviera of Flowers in San Lorenzo al Mare with thirteen athletes, two coaches, three physiotherapists and two managers.
For six years now, the National People's Republic prepares major events by training along the promenade, grinding km from San Lorenzo to San Remo. Every day, every single day. They arrived Jan. 4, will stay in San Lorenzo until later this month. Among the walkers who are training for the Olympics in Rio there are Wang Zhen and her teammate Liu Hong, one of the favorites for the final victory.
In fact the group still face selections to be held in march in China but there should be no problems, less than sensational surprises.
How much effort in preparing such an important event? "The men are walking about 30-35 kilometers a day, 25 women, divided into two sessions - explains Damilano, who coached also Elisa Rigaudo and Alex Schwarzer - Then in the evening there is the gym: we brought the tools.
Why we come to the Riviera? Because we enjoyed it, and for the climate, because it finally brings us luck when we stay in San Lorenzo al Mare we have won, including the Olympics and World Cup, a dozen medals, including some golds (last year at the World Championships Beijing the Chinese national women got a gold and a silver medal in men, ed)."
Climate in Saluzzo, where Damilano, with his brothers,, manages the centre, these days it's cold and there is snow. The climate, as a determinant of a workout, it's important for those who compete at a professional level, as demonstrated by the fact that athletes from other disciplines privilege the Riviera considering "gymnasium" optimal.