Luca Kirwan: I want to win the America's Cup for Italy
«Following my father's advice, when I am faced with a challenge, I draw a line in my mind: on one side I put the things I can control and I focus my energy and attention on those; on the other side are the ones over which I have no power and should be forgotten». Born in New Zealand to a family of professional sportspeople, with a degree from Massey University in economics, Luca Kirwan is the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli cyclor with No. 14. «It is an important number in my family», he explains, «because it was the one my father (All Blacks legend and also coach of the Italian national rugby team, ed.) had when he played rugby as a youth, and I am delighted to carry on his sporting legacy».
Half Kiwi and half Italian, Luca had lived for over 10 years in our country before returning to New Zealand, where he was a successful rower. In 2021 in Auckland met the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team participating in the 36th America's Cup - presented by PRADA. «I joined the community that supported Luna Rossa in a very natural way», he says, «and somehow I connected with the team and its challenge. So, when I learned that for the 37th edition there would be cyclists on board, I decided to dedicate myself 100% to cycling, training professionally with the goal of joining the team, and in the end I succeeded».
The youngest among the cyclors, Luca has competition in his DNA and finds this new challenge very stimulating. «My job is to pedal and I am giving it my all because I know that my energy helps the sailors perform at their best. We are talking about great champions who deserve to express themselves at their best and I am happy to contribute to that. It is an honor for me to be working alongside people I have always considered outstanding. I see my teammates as big brothers, and although I am half Kiwi, when I race I none of this means anything. The challenge of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli is now mine too, and the idea of being part of the Italian team that could win the America's Cup for the first time is an extra boost, and I will do my very best to achieve this goal».
