Interview with Paolo Botti – an Elephant of VIA Race Chapter I
Interviews

Join us as we sit down with Paolo Botti, one of VIA Race’s true “Elephants” from Italy. Based in Modena and with over two decades of experience in amateur racing—from Gran Fondos and time trials to countless circuit races—Paolo brings a wealth of ultracycling knowledge and a candid perspective on his unforgettable VIA experience. In this exclusive interview, Paolo shares the highs and lows of Chapter I, detailing the extreme challenges he faced, the camaraderie that made it all worthwhile, and the enduring spirit that defines VIA. Get ready to dive into his remarkable journey, and discover what truly makes VIA a unique adventure.

Tell us about yourself: What’s your name and where do you live? How did you get into ultracycling?

"I approached ultracycling after more than twenty years of amateur racing—from Gran Fondos (10 Prestigio Road, 2 Prestigio MTB, 3 Dolomitic circuits) to time trials (I’ve won many individual races and as many team events—we still hold the record in the most important race, the Crono della Versilia of Michele Bartoli, with an average of over 52 km/h in a 6-hour event) and various circuits..."

How did you first discover VIA, and what inspired you to sign up for Chapter I?

"Honestly, I don’t really remember; I just recall hearing about this new race that was meant to break away from the excesses of other races (where, if you don’t arrive half-dead with some mishaps, it doesn’t count) and I found it inspiring. Then there was the historical reference—to Hannibal... In short, there was a fresh, new atmosphere that I couldn’t miss. Keep in mind, I already had almost a decade of ultracycling experience all over the world, so as soon as I saw something new, I jumped in."

Looking back at Chapter I, how would you summarize your adventure and overall experience?

"Incredible; everything happened to me. I started while on antibiotics—a 3 mg cycle for a week, which ended on the Saturday evening of the departure because an infection exploded the Sunday before—what luck—while I was at the peak of my form. There was suffocating heat, two sandstorms, taking the wrong road and having to turn back, then facing another extremely tough climb. I completely depleted my body’s vitamins and defenses, which forced me to withdraw due to an absolute lack of energy, knowing that not even a long pause (even 3-5 days) would have helped (I had two mouth ulcers, a broken palate that prevented me from eating solid foods, all my fingertips had lost their skin, an infection on my thigh that flared up again, and loss of sensitivity in my left hand... a bit of everything!)."

How has your experience with VIA contributed to your personal growth as an individual or cyclist?

"Honestly, I don’t think it has made me any 'greater'; I already have plenty of experience—even if I didn’t demonstrate it as much as I should have, having taken advantage of my good initial feelings and not considering that I was on antibiotics in prohibitive climatic conditions... but that’s just how I am."

Do you plan to return for Chapter II?

"Unfortunately, I don’t have the possibility to commit that many days; two weeks are too many in that period of the year."

What are your goals (for example, your desired position)?

"My goals remain the same as always: to finish in the top 5, sleeping at least 3 hours every night in a hotel, without killing myself."

What excites you the most about this new chapter?

"The same things that impressed me in Chapter I."

Did you have a particular strategy for Chapter I? How did it go? Do you plan to do something different this time?

"Ahahaha, the strategy is exactly what I described above—and it probably would have worked if misfortune hadn’t struck me the week before (I was at the top of my form, never been so)."

Did you feel the sense of community and inclusion during VIA? How would you describe the spirit of the VIA community?

"Amazing. As I mentioned, I experienced exactly the opposite of what I encountered at TCR, and I must say that the commitment of Jan and Inge was incredible—the outcome was excellent. Moreover, we created an Italian Community; we all went out to dinner the night before, and we even set up a very friendly chat that accompanied us throughout the race and still does today."

If you had to choose a best friend from Chapter I, who would you like to see again and ride with in Chapter II?

"Certainly the Italian Community, but probably every participant... even though I enjoy riding alone."

What was the most difficult part of the race, both mentally and physically? How did you find the strength to keep going?

"The most difficult part was giving up... even now!"

Can you describe your favorite moment of kindness or camaraderie with someone?

"Honestly, I don’t have anything specific to remember except for the approach and behavior of Jan and Inge when we met at the summit of the banned road I had ridden."

How did rivalries or competition influence your experience? Did racing push you beyond your limits, or was it more of a personal challenge?

"No, I don’t suffer from rivalries or competition: I go at my own pace and follow my own plans; if someone gets ahead of me, good for them. But I would never lose a night trying to chase after someone who’s ahead. I don’t even watch the cracking (and that’s why I rode the banned road in its entirety)."

If you had to summarize VIA in three words, what would they be?

"Company, heat, suffering."

What was your favorite place or area (for example, the most beautiful) and why?

"The start—it’s a beautiful place."

What advice would you give to beginners joining VIA for the first time, especially regarding competition and community?

"Participate and take part in a unique ultra event, with participants and an organization you will never forget."