A few years ago, Francesco Lasca was regarded as one of the most promising Italian sprinters but his career has been put on standby due to an injury. This year he ended his season in February and his contract with Caja Rural was not renewed.

Lasca is currently in Spain where he is trying to solve the problems that have marred the past two seasons.

“It took half a year to figure out what the problem was,” he tells Tuttobiciweb. “Finally, we found a small inflammation of the sciatic tendon in my right leg. It is located in the back, under the buttock, right where I sit on the saddle. The inflammation makes me pedal in a wrong way. In mid-October, we tried regenerate the tendon and fix the whole situation. I underwent another surgery but for now I do not feel great improvements. At the end of the month, an MRI will tell me if the situation has improved, but they are skeptical because so far therapies and interventions have had little effect.

“Now I'm stuck. I have not raced since February. Unfortunately, the situation is stable and has not improved. There is another intervention that could solve the problem but I was advised against it by the doctors as it is too risky to operate on the tendon that lies deep and near the sciatic nerve. Guarantees of success are few and there is the possibility of many complications.”

"I take this opportunity to thank Caja Rural. The team gave me confidence to solve the problem and supported me one hundred percent. In misfortune, I'm lucky to have a team to which I was close. With the way things are, that is a luxury. The contract that binds me to the Spanish team expires at the end of this year but the management have told me that they are interested in a renewal if I am again competitive.

I hope to put an end to this matter that has gone on for too long. I am concerned that one year without racing will be felt. Cycling is already exhausting and if you are not one hundred percent, it is impossible to deal with it calmly. In this period I am dedicated to rehabilitation with 2-3 sessions per week. It is especially tough mentally, I'm here alone, it's hard to stay away from home without being able to do my job. At least we have identified the crux of the problem which makes me quieter, but I am afraid that the problem is chronic and that it is difficult to regenerate the tendon.”

"Right now I do a 50% chance [to return to racing]. The team is waiting for me, but for my part I will show the greatest sincerity. It’s tough for me to say it, but it cannot go on. The last two years have hurt me both physically and mentally. I underwent three operations. After the hip surgery I went back to work until I was forced to a stop again and again. Every time it is hard to start again. I do not tell you the details of what I went through because I will not bring those bad memories back. To accept this situation is really difficult. I keep my fingers crossed and hope that the results of the tests which I will undergo between late December and early January will finally allow me to smile.

"For Christmas I will go home to spend some time with my family and this will make me happier. In my spare time, time I try to keep myself busy. I keep updated and fortunately I have other passions beyond the sport: music and videos have always fascinated me. Recently, I bought a drone to take aerial shots. In Spain, I started a course in computer/video editing to prepare for a possible future away from the bike. I'm studying foreign languages ​​as well. If I get a professional opportunity abroad, I will be ready to seize it. My Spanish is good and I have to improve my English.

“I would hate to be forced to leave cycling in this way, but I cannot continue like this. I'm exhausted but conscious that there are worse dramas and in life there is more than cycling. I'm doing everything possible to have no regrets. If I'll hang the bike on the nail, I am sorry not to know how far I could have gone but I can say I had the chance to be professional and got some nice victories.”