We receive from Lino Secchi, who until January 4th was running for the federal presidency, a letter in which he explicitly thanks the Regional Presidents for their willingness to bestow upon him the Honorary Presidency of the Italian Cycling Federation, the same one that was acclaimed to the unforgettable Alfredo Martini. In the heated and final climate of this electoral campaign, Lino Secchi, with grace and the elegance that has always distinguished him, thanks everyone and takes a step back, to avoid being instrumentalized in a delicate and decisive moment of this electoral contest.

Dear President and Dear Federal Council,

Following my withdrawal of the candidacy for FCI President, announced in the last days of the past month of December, a particular attention has begun towards me to recognize my past as a manager at various sports levels and in working life in order to continue to involve me in federal activities. I was therefore informed that they were thinking of proposing my nomination as Honorary President to the national electoral assembly. I learned that the request, initiated by the President of my Regional Committee, was signed by the Regional Presidents. I deeply appreciate and am touched by the esteem that almost all of them wanted to express. However, I wish that this great recognition cannot be instrumentally used to create confusion or even denigrate any candidate for the Presidency. Therefore, I kindly ask Your Excellency and the entire Federal Council to suspend such a decision that, if appropriate, could be evaluated in the future. Finally, I specify, out of respect for the truth, that no denigration could ever shake my and the respect I have towards those Regional Presidents who have shared the proposal. I add that I have, moreover, equal confidence and profound gratitude towards all our managers, all our societies and all our athletes who know how much I am attached to our sport and how, at the same time, I do not listen to those who do not miss an opportunity to find a way to discredit.

Respectfully,

Lino Secchi

Monte San Vito, 14.01.2025