“My goal is to have fun with my new #nocogirls family!”

In this week’s TUESDAY TALK, Italian Veronica Gianmoena looks back on her past season, her biggest triumphs and most exciting moments and ahead to goals of the future.

Looking back on your season 2018/19, you finished fourth in the Contintental Cup overall standings (again). Was it frustrating to you or are you proud of the result as the COC has grown so much in events and there were also a lot more athletes to beat this year?

Veronica Gianmoena: Frustraiting is a negative word. I prefer to say, I’ve still a lot of work to do to be among the top three. For sure i’m proud of my overall result because this season there were more girls, really strong ones, and this mean my level is growing. Obviously, finishing fourth is not the podium and i’m a bit sad about myself because I’ haven’t be able to maintain the third position which I managed to gain at the beginning of the season.

With six 4th and 5th places, you were often very close to the podium but not quite there yet. Your role model, Akito Watabe, is also known for finishing fourth (or second) quite often. Does this make you relate to him even more now?

Gianmoena: I can say yes to that! (laughs) But he never gave up and in the season before the last one, he finally won the overall globe. I hope to be able to do the same in the future!

However, you had your first COC podium result this winter. How was the experience in Steamboat Springs?

Gianmoena: For me, conquering my first COC podium has been like a little dream come true. But moreover, doing that in Steamboat Springs has been amazing because of  the atmosphere.  The people are so friendly there and so kind and it doesn’t matter from which country you come, they cheer for everybody.

Did you have a favourite competition with the many new venues coming in last winter?

Gianmoena: Steamboat Spring was my favourite competition because of my podium result of course but, competing in Otepää with the men’s World Cup has been even more exciting. The atmosphere is completely different! Even if was only able to do  one competition due to a little problem with the luggage delivery, it was just great.

Ladies’ Nordic Combined continues to grow and a proper Summer Grand Prix tour with three venues in Germany is planned in August and September. Are you looking forward to these next competitions?

Gianmoena: Yes, for sure! Last season, I was not at the start in the Summer Grand Prix but this season i will be there. I am looking forward to meeting all the girls again and I’m really excited for the first mixed team event ever.

What are your goals for the next season?

Gianmoena: If i’m able to improve my results and my goals would be to stand on more podiums and so to improve my final result in the overall standing. But above all my goal is to have fun with my new #nocogirls family during the season.