![\"Giacomo](\"https:\/\/r.testifier.nl\/Acbs8526SDKI\/resizing_type:fit\/watermark:Picture%3A%20Proshots\/width:500\/plain\/https:\/\/s3-newsifier.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/cyclinguptodatecom\/images\/2022-01\/nizzolo-giacomo-ek2020-61f4240fb498e.jpg@webp\")
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Nizzolo’s trophy room also features two Italian national jerseys, won in 2016 and 2020. The latter just a few days before his continental success: “The Italian Championship has always held a special place in my heart,” commented the now former rider from Brianza. “Then, if you have to weigh victories, the European Championship probably holds more weight. I, however, couldn’t choose.”<\/p>\n
Proof of character<\/p>\n
The national titles might not be as highly valued internationally, but for Nizzolo those are the proof of his personal growth. Starting off as a pure sprinter, his victories on the lumpy roads in Italy didn’t come without a lot of hard work.<\/p>\n
“In Cittadella (2020), it was a great challenge to hold on for the entire course, due to the many times we faced the Rosina; then, in the finale, I managed my sprint. In Boario Terme (2016), the victory was a surprise for me, given that I arrived alongside Gianluca Brambilla, who had completely different characteristics than me. It was a great satisfaction.”<\/p>\n
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Giacomo Nizzolo in the European champion’s jersey<\/p>\n
Nizzolo also recalls the 2016 World Championships in Doha, where he finished in fifth place: “Yes, I sprinted with too high a gear, but I still got there and fought for it,” said the rider from Besana. “Whoever won (Peter Sagan\u00a0\u2013 ed.) deserved to do so, and\u00a0Mark Cavendish\u00a0and\u00a0Tom Boonen\u00a0also made it to the podium. I would have signed for a fifth-place finish at the start. It was a hellish day in terms of the heat, but I remember it fondly.”<\/p>\n