Yesterday morning, in the Costante Girardengo Hall of the Fiorenzuola Velodrome, the new technical staff of the "Attilio Pavesi" Velodrome and its 2025 activity calendar were presented.

The news is that former track cyclist Roberto Chiappa, one of the most successful Italians in sprint disciplines, is the new technical director of the International Cycling Initiation and Specialization Center at Fiorenzuola Velodrome. He will put his experience and passion at the service of boys and girls who will train at this facility (inaugurated in 1929) during spring and summer. Luca Taranti remains the center's manager, Giuseppe Aletti continues as the managing society president, and Andrea Massari is the mechanic.

"In Fiorenzuola, I did my first national team training camp as a Junior in 1990. I raced here often, won the sprint in the World Cup in 1999, an unforgettable memory. I can say I feel a bit at home," Chiappa said, who already has significant experience working with young athletes. "When my friends from the Velodrome proposed this role, they quickly convinced me to accept it. This track, beyond its great history, has a vast user base spanning multiple provinces and therefore great potential in terms of numbers."

CALENDAR:
Youth activities (from Giovanissimi category onwards) at the Velodrome will start on May 6th. Training and open days will be every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Here are the dates for the six youth races scheduled:
June 17th
July 1st
July 8th
July 15th
July 22nd
August 26th

As known, the international races of the 6 Giorni delle Rose will be held from August 1st to 6th, including youth races in the last two days.

HANDBIKES:
Another novelty for 2025 is the days dedicated to the Sport Hability project, promoted by the Piacenza Local Health Authority and fully supported by the Velodrome: every Friday will be dedicated to handbikes, with former handbike champion Walter Groppi overseeing the training. Moreover, thanks to five special rollers donated by the Lions Club Piacenza Il Farnese, Paralympic athletes can train indoors during colder or rainy days, using the gym spaces.

"A 2025 with many innovations," said Luca Taranti, "for a Velodrome that wants to be increasingly inclusive and welcoming. We've extended the opening period and significantly increased the race calendar. Roberto Chiappa's arrival will bring additional expertise and will be a great added value and a precious resource for all the kids who will come to pedal on our track. Finally, a heartfelt thanks to the Fiorenzuola Municipal Administration for their support and availability."

The morning's guests also included Daniela Isetti, International Cycling Union councilor, Fabrizio Cornegliani, new national councilor of the Italian Cycling Federation and gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Fiorenzuola Vice-Mayor Paola Pizzelli, and Emilia-Romagna FCI Committee President Pierluigi De Vitis.

Info and contacts on the website www.fiorenzuolatrack.eu.