She said this will be her last time, but those who know Dorina Vaccaroni well know that the word "last" has never sat well with her, so it's hard to believe that the next RAAM , from June 16th to 28th, will be her final participation in the major cycling event that seamlessly crosses the US from East to West Coast (Race Across America). It's always been this way, ever since the Venetian was a major star in the world of fencing, capable of making headlines for her unconventional personality even outside the narrow circle of professionals.
Olympian, then cycling enthusiast
A repeat winner of titles, culminating in her Olympic team triumph in Barcelona '92 , Vaccaroni then changed everything. Fencing became her profession, and its prestige led her to live and work in America, becoming a highly regarded instructor in California, helping to bring the American school to the top of the world. But even before that, she had found her new playground in cycling, and ultracycling in particular, and that passion has never waned.
Now Dorina is close to her new adventure, one she's already experienced in the past, marking a new phase in her life as she approaches 63: "Now I basically only do cycling," she says from her home in California. "I only give private fencing lessons, but when it comes to preparing for the RAAM, there's not much time left... I've done it three times: the first time I had 200 kilometers to go but I couldn't finish it, the second time I finished in 12 days and 8 hours, the third in 12 days and 6 hours, but my goal is to get it under 12 days . Usually, when I don't accomplish what I really want, it just stays in my head and festers..."
The hunt for the record begins
Vaccaroni's competitive spirit has never wavered. And while she's no longer competing against a foil-wielding opponent, she now expresses herself against the clock: "I've broken the other records I needed to, the Restler Cross of the West in 2 days and 10 hours, for example, but I miss the RAAM because I know I can do it."
The Race Across America is the ideal place to test yourself, the equivalent of the Paris-Brest-Paris, except this one takes place every year: "I've always had a great passion for cycling. If you don't have passion, you can't do the RAAM. We're talking about 5.000 kilometers non-stop, night and day. In my opinion, it's one of the toughest challenges in the world. I know the Paris-Brest-Paris well; I've done three, but that's a randonnée, it's a race where you can stop, you can take it easy. This is truly a race, even if many people interpret it as the French test. But not me. I know the maximum limit is 13 days, which means you have to do at least 450 kilometers every day ."
The problem of climate change
An endurance feat in which the difficulties are primarily due to the constant changes in climate: "Just think of the passage through Arizona. In the summer, you pedal in temperatures of 50 degrees, but then when sunset comes, the temperature plummets and the nights are freezing. But it's not just that. You have to face the wind, the sandstorms, the endless horizons, 1.000 kilometers of straight road, the Rocky Mountains climbing to 4.000 meters where you feel the lack of oxygen. Not everyone finishes it; in fact, very few do…
What's your favorite part? " Colorado, because I'm a climber. It's like our highest Dolomites, then there are the Appalachian Mountains at the end, which are my favorites . The part that hurts me, however, is Arizona, Monument Valley with its sandstorms."
Three whole days without sleep
For Vaccaroni, however, the climate is something you have to contend with; you need specific clothing. The real challenges of an event like this are different: "It's knowing how to maintain balance between mind and body, getting through the pain, getting through the moments of sleepiness that come while you have to keep pedaling. Otherwise, you waste time and then you can't sleep anymore. For the first three days, I'm going straight to Colorado and I don't sleep, then I'll start sleeping two or three hours a day until I arrive."
This year there's something new in his adventure: " I've decided to have an all-Italian crew, whereas in other years it was American . Let's say it's better for me, because after two or three days of riding, I almost forget my English, even though I've been here for years. I start speaking only Italian, and they don't understand me! But this year, since we're all Italian, I'll feel more at ease."
All-Italian crew
A crew, in an event like this, is essential to provide her with the necessary support: "I've always been able to cross the desert, but not everyone can, because of the sand, the wind, and this incredible heat. But it's better. In the cold, my hands freeze, I can't brake on these very long descents . In fact, I live in San Diego because it's hot all year round..."
In such a long and unique race, how do you combat loneliness on a mental level? " The staff is essential for communication. Maybe that sudden remark opens up a new world and allows you to keep going, because I spend so many hours alone, in front of the car following me . You need to have great strength, otherwise you go crazy. But it's my characteristic, I've changed my life so many times."
An America that doesn't change, despite everything
Dorina, although she returns to Italy every year, has lived in the US for over 10 years. How has the country changed over the years, especially considering recent events? "First of all, I live in California, which is a good state. A lot of people ask me this question, but I don't see anything changing at all, except that we now pay a lot for gas, which used to be almost free . I'm someone who works out all day; I have a TV, but I don't even turn it on. I dedicate myself to my three dogs, I ride my bike all day, then I take a few private fencing lessons, and that's it."
Looking back, would you make any other sporting choices? "Good question. The cycling scene is happier than the fencing scene. Fencing is a combat sport, not a social one , and I feel better in the cycling world, where I have so many friends, unlike those I had on the platforms. I also raced in granfondos for two years, then I switched to ultracycling. If I could do it again, I wouldn't have any doubts ; I'd know what to choose..."
He will never give up cycling…
Many have announced it as your last appearance at RAAM. Are you sure? "No," she says, laughing, "I've already regretted it. For now, it's not like I'll stop cycling, even though many people hope so, especially in my family. If I break the record, then I won't go back, otherwise I have a good reason to try again, right? "
