Even the tireless “machine” Fabio Balaso, after having clocked up so many kilometers impeccably in this 2024, drawing applause on fields all over the world, needs an oil change… in the form of a family break. Thanks to the two weeks off granted by the Italian national team, already qualified for the Olympics, the libero of Cucine Lube Civitanova is regenerating in the pits, while the group of Fefè De Giorgi is elbowing in Slovenia. The red and white member is divided between the goals of the short period in blue and the thought of a new year presiding over the second line in the kitchen at the service of coach Giampaolo Medei.
Fabio Balaso (libero Cucine Lube Civitanova): “My next goal is to give my best with the national team because important commitments await me. The ride in the first two stages of VNL was fundamental to qualify for the Olympics and benefit from two weeks of holiday, we were convinced we could do it but it wasn’t a given. Beyond Wednesday’s empty lap, the boys who were called up for the third phase in Slovenia also demonstrated their ability to express themselves at high levels. During these days of rest I never stopped training my body, but mentally I was able to relax and spend precious time with my family. I don’t always have this privilege. In fact, I chose not to focus on last minute and trips across the border, but to recharge between Padua and Civitanova to return to the field next Tuesday even more motivated. I never stop following all the updates on Lube. I’m pleased that the libero department is the only one that is totally armored for next season, because I get along very well with Francesco Bisotto. He is a workaholic like me, he has already shown off and can still grow a lot; given his age and his skills, he can very well confirm himself in this category. In Lube 2024/25 there is a lot of valuable youth, there will be a lot of work to do given the great change, but the desire to get involved and improve a lot will certainly not be lacking. It will be a stimulating year, there are fewer ‘big names’ in the group than in the past, but what matters is quality and there is no shortage of it. We will also have to take care of this aspect with great dedication in training.”
