The 5th leg of the Frigerio Trophy (49th edition) took place on Sunday, April 15th.
The competition has made a stop in Lomello (ITA) historic stronghold of the Italian race walk. At the start in the various competitions, a hundred athletes competed on a 500-meter course set in the historic center of the town.
Technically not perfect but spectacular circuit. Beyond the results to report the enthusiasm and willingness shown by the participants in the race.
We want to remember two episodes: that of Boero Annalisa (4th elementary school) who lives in Sanfront at the foot of Monviso and who participated, in the youngest category, at all the trials of the Frigerio Trophy and the enthusiasm of Professor Bandieramonte and his pupil Dario Privitera who came to Lomello from Sicily with a group of young athletes.
Two different situations that show how in race walk there is still the desire to confront each other, the passion and the love for this specialty.
It is up to the Federation to encourage these and many other examples (Alba Milana from Lazio and Carlo Mattioli from Marche) that have made many kilometers. to be present at this event with their athletes.
These examples and many others, seen at Lomello, confirm that there are athletes who can obtain good results with a correct guide and some right stimulus. The fact of living experiences and important meetings, like the one today, knowing and competing in the race with athletes medaled in the great competitions, will be for everyone a memory and a notable stimulus.
In the two main categories there have been interesting competitions.
5km women
After a very fast start, the race has been lit in the last 3km and the Chinese Lu Xiuzhi (Olympic bronze), to overcome the young compatriot Ma Zhenxia (gold in the last world under 20) and the good Eleonora Dominici and Nicole Colombi, had to walk the last 3km in less than 13:15 (4:25 per km).
First place, then, for Lu Xuizhi in 22:39; second Ma Zhenxia in 22:40; third place to Eleonora Dominici: 22:45 and fourth place to Nicole Colombi (23:03).
To be highlighted again the 5th place of Annalisa Russo (23:40) followed by Lidia Barcella (23:48), Martina Ansaldi (23:52) and by Andrada Lavinia Lacatus (24:08)
Good end times considering the course not very fast.
5km men
In the men's field Chinese domination with three athletes in the first three places but, engaged and chased for 3km. from Stefano Chiesa (final time 20:11); Giacomo Brandi (20:49) and Riccardo Orsoni (21:25).
The vice-Olympic champion Cai Zelin (20:03) to impose himself had to march the last 3 km. below 12:00 (4:00/km.). Second place to Yin Jiaxing (20:04); third place to Niu Wenbin (20:06).
An applause to the organization for the zeal and tenacity with which they worked, led by that legendary, now over eighty years old, with a youthful spirit of Pietro Pastorini.