FROM TO TANIA CAGNOTTO NEVER WITHOUT PASTA: HOW OUR OLYMPIC ATHLETES ARE PREPARING FOR RIO 2016

From to Carlotta Ferlito, from Rossella Fiamingo to Clemente Russo: Ten great champions of Italian sport, in Rio to win a medal, talk about their love of pasta and how carbohydrates are important in the physical preparation for the . Indeed, victory begins at the table! In , Barilla will be the official pasta supplier for Casa Italia, ’s Olympic hospitality house: every day 1,000 servings will be prepared, from Rigatoni to Sedanini, and Mezze Maniche to Gnocchetti Sardi. Childhood dreams and precious lucky charms locked safely away in suitcases: through a few interviews, we discover how our athletes are preparing for the Rio 2016 Olympic adventure.

Making no secret of their love of pasta, nor of their intention to eat it at Rio 2016 - in large quantities, even - are the Italian champions on their way to the next Olympics. Large servings, at both lunch and dinner, for swimmers (who prefers wholegrain), Filippo Magnini and Gregory Paltrinieri. A light meal at lunch before training for gymnast Carlotta Ferlito and champions Rossella Fiamingo and Arianna Errigo. Tania Cagnotto eats it before a race, because it is easily digested and high in energy. Indeed, carbohydrates and the Mediterranean diet are key to good sports nutrition, both for professionals and amateurs, confirms Michelangelo Giampietro, nutritionist and sports doctor, as well as frequent health director of the various Italian teams at the : "The amount of carbohydrates required increases proportionally to workout intensity and the number of hours per week spent training. For the general population it is 2-3g per kg of body weight, but for athletes it is three times as much (6-10 g per kg). And it is even higher (10-12g per kg in the days leading up to a race) for marathon runners, distance swimmers, triathletes and cyclists. " There are countless testimonies to the benefits of a “pasta diet” for sportspeople. The most recent was the "Healthy Pasta Meals” Scientific Consensus Statement signed by 20 physicians and nutritional scientists on World Pasta Day 2015. The document reads “Pasta, like other cereals, provides carbohydrates and is also a source of protein. To enhance physical performance, it can be eaten plain or with a light sauce before a workout or with other foods after practising sports. High- protein, low-carbohydrate diets are not recommended for active people.” A further reason for pasta’s popularity with sportspeople is the psychological aspect: as well as being healthy, it offers more satisfaction than other diets. And, for us Italians, pasta is also the pleasure of conviviality and being at the table together. And if you are a champion athlete, what better way to celebrate a victory than spaghetti with friends? And never mind if, just this once, you overindulge a little.

INTERVIEWS WITH THE ATHLETES

FILIPPO MAGNINI – SWIMMER

My dream for Rio is... “To come out of the competitions and be able to laugh... That means I will have achieved my goals."

What will be in your suitcase? "I would certainly never be without my technical suit for recovery, the pillow with the pictures of owls on it, which matches my owl tattoo, and a pair of new shoes that I make or buy for every important new race. The Italian flag that I often tie on my backpack for the races, and yellow and green headphones - yellow and green for Brazil and also because they are my favourite colours.”

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? “Pennette rigate with mackerel, walnuts and curry (a bit hot). A complete meal that is practically unique. The reasons: fibre, omega3 and curry instead of salt”

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) “On race days, I basically eat pasta for lunch and dinner! I do it either to recover afterwards or to have the right energy for the next race!”

CARLOTTA FERLITO - GYMNAST

My dream for Rio is... "Giving my all so that I have no regrets! To be able to perform my routines as I have done thousands of times in the gym. My hopes for a medal are really not high, so I want to enjoy this fully and qualify for as many finals as possible, then once the game is on, it’s on."

What will be in your suitcase? “My lucky charms are: a good-luck flag made by fans, various leotards (training and competition), coloured hair clips and makeup to match the leotards, nail varnish and a curling iron."

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? "Spaghetti carbonara because I love it and because, although I'm no good at cooking, it seems pretty easy."

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) "I never deprive myself of carbohydrates and especially pasta: I think it is essential for a competitive athlete to feed themselves adequately so that they never run out of energy. For example, before an afternoon workout I always eat a little pasta at lunch, especially with oil and Parmesan cheese or with tomato sauce. Generally, I only tend to limit carbohydrates in the evening."

TANIA CAGNOTTO - DIVER

My dream for Rio is... “To enjoy my 5th Olympics and possibly beat my personal best..."

What will be in your suitcase? “My lucky charms are: a necklace that was given to me at an awards ceremony, my shughi (deerskin), and a small memory pillow. In addition to these I also carry a thermos with some photos on that are very important to me."

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? "Mezze penne with mozzarella, fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. I make it because it is simple and energy rich."

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) "I usually eat the pasta just before a race, if possible with tuna. It is easy to digest and gives you energy.”

ROSSELLA FIAMINGO - FENCER

My dream for Rio is... “To have fun from the very first thrust!"

What will be in your suitcase? "My lucky charms are the bracelets that my friends gave me. I would never be without my fencing glove and my pink headphones.”

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? “Pennette with pistachio pesto and courgettes. The ingredients are onion, smoked pancetta, courgettes, pistachio pesto, Parmesan cheese."

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) "I eat pasta once a day for lunch, and in the evening I prefer a little bread. Carbohydrates are my fuel, and I also really like them, I can’t help it!”

CLEMENTE RUSSO - BOXER

My dream for Rio is... "My dream for Rio has to be getting an Olympic gold medal under my belt after two silver medals at Beijing 2008 and 2012"

What will be in your suitcase? “Lucky charms: a drawing (of a heart) by my daughter Rosy. Essentials: Training gloves. Family mementos: a rosary to remind me of my wife Laura, who is also a champion."

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? "Spaghetti with clams"

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) "My relationship to carbohydrates is very balanced. Because balance is essential for a boxer, I never have too much, but do I eat pasta every day for lunch or dinner, depending on the type of training I’m doing, and often plain with no sauce. Carbohydrates power my muscles.”

SIMONE GIANNELLI - VOLLEYBALL PLAYER

My dream for Rio is... "I'd rather keep it to myself... but (all being well) just participating will be a great privilege!"

What will be in your suitcase? "Perfume, T-shirt, watch, trainers and teddy? Watch: this watch is very close to my heart because it was given to me by someone very special - my grandfather who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. Teddy: a childhood memento...to which I am very attached! Trainers: obviously because I need them to play (like a racket for a player). Perfume: Just because I like it very much and love to put it on after a shower, but not too much”.

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? "Let's say I have two pasta dishes that I really like! The first is a classic: carbonara! The second is seafood: spaghetti with clams!"

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) “Pasta is definitely very important for us athletes in general because it gives us the energy we need to play or train, in fact, for lunch (before the competition) I eat a lot of carbohydrates!"

GIUSEPPE VICINO – ROWER

My dream for Rio is... "Being Neapolitan I am a bit superstitious about speaking about my result in Rio, but if we’re talking about dreams, then let us say: being the current world champion, my dream is to put my prow ahead of all my opponents and, afterwards, to raise my arms to the sky and rejoice, sing the national anthem again, not as world champion but as an Olympic champion along with my team”.

What will be in your suitcase? “Lucky charms: the little silver horn I touch for luck before each race. I keep safely hidden: an item clothing - the first technical shirt I earned for my first national silver medal (when you qualify in the A final the committee gives all finalists a jersey to compete in). The stroke counter my family gave me (stroke counter = on-board computer which measures speed and the number of strokes per minute. Personal item: pillow with red pillowcase; Family memento: group photo. Obsessive about: hair comb.”

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? "Pasta with potatoes and smoked cheese baked in the pan in the oven"

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) “They are fundamental to my preparation and taste great! I always eat them before a race, because when I don’t, I have discovered that I can’t recover or do my best in training. In general, I consume them as both food and supplements. For me, the best way is to eat a nice plate of pasta together with my family. "

GREGORIO PALTRINIERI – SWIMMER

My dream for Rio is... "My dream for Rio is to be there and have fun doing the best I can in my race! And maybe to watch a game."

What will be in your suitcase? “My camera because I love taking pictures and making videos when I’m out and about, and two or three books, almost certainly detective novels".

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? “My favourite might be meat sauce because it reminds me of home."

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) "I love pasta and eat it twice a day! Carbohydrates are essential for the type of training I do.”

ARIANNA ERRIGO – FENCER

My dream for Rio is... "My dream for Rio is to win the individual gold medal on August 10! I hope to have fun and give everything so that I have no regrets!"

What will be in your suitcase? “Everything that I can’t do without: music, lucky slippers, nail polish in the colours of the Italian flag, makeup and earrings..."

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? "I do not have a favourite recipe. Now that we are approaching summer I’ll go for linguine with clams. Al dente, with a bit of chili and freshly chopped parsley on top. "

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) “I eat carbohydrates every day. I have a small amount for breakfast. For lunch I have more, and again for my afternoon snack, and then another smaller serving at dinner. The day before and after an event I load up on carbohydrates to have enough energy and then to recover it."

VINCENZO NIBALI – CYCLIST

My dream for Rio is... "I have never hidden the fact that the Rio Olympic Games are one of my goals this year. To make sure I am as well prepared as possible, I have even included the Tour de in my race schedule. It will be a stepping stone to my Olympic dream. Making this happen would be unbeatable."

What will be in your suitcase? "Everything I need to train, so plenty of shirts and shorts, a backpack...”

What is your favourite PASTA recipe and why? "My favourite pasta is pasta 'ncasciata - a recipe typical of , my hometown. It is a kind of baked pasta. I like it with these ingredients: aubergine, cheese, ham, eggs, tomato and a sprinkling of baked ricotta from Messina to finish. I love it because it reminds me of my childhood and my Sicily. Whenever I go back home, I look forward to eating this dish made by my mother.”

What is your relationship to carbohydrates with regard to the challenges of athletic training? (When and why do you eat pasta?) “For us racers, carbohydrates are like petrol. It is good to eat them both before and during the performance, whether training or competing, as well as afterwards to replenish your energy. Of course, if you eat them in the form of a plate of pasta, then your body gets what it needs and you get great pleasure as well.