A lean, muscular physique, a white T-shirt with POLIZIA written across the chest... it goes without saying, we’re about to meet this worthy representative of the Italian state...
Paolo Venturini, 41 years old, is an athlete from the Padua State police sports groups. He explained that, for non-Olympic sports, the only way to become a professional and be able to train at a high level in Italy is to enrol in a State body. He specialises in the 100km on asphalt, a discipline in which he ranks amongst the top 20 in the world. Paolo was very happy and excited to discover the MDS, which demands markedly different qualities from its runners...
15 days ago, as a test, Paolo took part in the Sahara 100 km. Unfortunately, just before the race, he fell ill. He was not deterred and set off in the race. The 2nd day, with a temperature of 39 degrees, he was forced to abandon the competition. Since then, his illness not letting up, he has not been able to train adequately. Feeling that he has a sporting and moral responsibility, Paolo is nevertheless taking part in the MDS, although he has not been able to recover fully.
Today, Paolo confided that everything would depend on his mental strength; that he would have to get past his physical weakness and maintain nerves of steel to finish the competition. At the moment, each day’s race is a test in itself, each stage finished is a day of victory. Tomorrow is an unknown quantity...