Giulia Gabbrielleschi ready for World Cup in Ibiza and European Championships in Stari Grad

Two five-star events for Giulia Gabbrielleschi. The champion of Nuotatori Pistoiesi and Fiamme Oro Napoli, in fact, is expected at the stage of Open Water Swimming World Cup di Ibiza, from Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th April, and from European Cross Country Championship, which will be held from 28 to 31 May in The Old City, in Italian "Old Town", a town that stands in a protected bay along the northern coast of the island of Hvar, in Croatia. Two important commitments, in which she will be closely followed by her club coach, Massimiliano Lombardi, the strategist of "Pistoiesi".

In Spain, Gabbrielleschi will compete in the 10 kilometers and in a new and intriguing race, Knockout, a multiple test: a first of 1500 meters; if qualified, a second of 800 meters and, again if she has earned the prestigious pass, the final sprint of 400 meters. The relay will not take place. The maximum continental competition, however, will serve for the possible participation, in the month of July, in the World Championship, which will be held in Singapore.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves: in the meantime, we need to focus on Ibiza, the new stage of the World Cup," Lombardi observes. "Giulia is training hard to regain her Olympic form, even if it's not easy for someone like her who took a break after Paris before starting again. However, we'll see what her response will be in the two races scheduled."

Fresh from her eighty-seventh birthday (happy birthday), the president of Nuotatori Pistoiesi, Giancarlo Lotti, greets her like this. "Giulia has always had a mind and a character capable of making the difference: like a true champion. I am sure, we are sure, that this time too she will find within herself the strength and energy to perform at her best. In the meantime, for us it is always a source of great satisfaction when one of our athletes takes Pistoia around the world. Come on Giulia, make your voice heard". From Pistoia, that is certain, there will be no shortage of warm cheering.

Gianluca Barni