Francesca
Barale

Residence
Domodossola, Italy
Age
18
Nickname
Franci
Hobbies
Cooking and reading
Favourite food
Pizza and gelato
Favourite TV show
New Girl
Favourite holiday destination
Canary Islands
Favourite race
Giro Donne

18-year-old Francesca makes the step up to the WorldTour with the team next season after two very successful seasons as a junior where she claimed both the Italian road race and time trial titles.

“I wanted to join Team DSM for lots of different reasons, but I really like that the team doesn’t focus completely on the victory or result but also highlights the process of getting there.”

Cut from cycling cloth, Francesca’s father rode professionally for two years while her grandfather competed in multiple Grand Tours alongside Italian cycling royalty Fausto Coppi, so she hasn’t looked back since getting on two-wheels at around the age of six.

An ambitious person, Francesca is aware of the steps she needs to take to continue her development with the team and knows that success doesn’t come over night – citing teammate Juliette Labous as an example of where she hopes her career can go.

 

Francesca Barale | Team DSM | January Team Camp
Francesca Barale | Team DSM | January Team Camp

“Juliette is like me in that in juniors I was good on the climbs and the time trial, and I’ve seen her make step-by-step improvements each year with the team. That’s something which motivates me, seeing her now compete with the best in the peloton.”

Looking ahead, Francesca wants to take that same steady approach with the team, improving not only as a rider but also as a person too as she finds her feet in the exciting environment of the Women’s WorldTour.

Away from the bike you can often find Francesca honing her cooking skills, making a storm in the kitchen with her speciality dish – a pasta carbonara. If not, then Francesca likes to get lost in the latest book she’s reading or spend time with friends and family.