For the presentation to the European Committee of the Coppa Italia delle Regioni, the president of the Professional Cycling League Roberto Pella wanted to do things in style by inviting Gianni Bugno in his capacity as President of the Technical Committee of the Professional Cycling League. The two-time world champion immediately attracted the attention of those present, who lined up for photos and autographs, but above all for many words of praise for a champion who made Italy great.

"Presenting the Coppa Italia delle Regioni right here in Brussels, where the European Commission is located, is an important signal that testifies to the key role of our country in the international cycling movement. I started practicing cycling out of passion, and this sport, in addition to great satisfaction, allowed me to travel throughout Italy and discover all its beauty. I first discovered it by pedaling and then from the helicopter when I worked for Rai. We must enhance our country," explained Gianni Bugno, emphasizing how the Coppa Italia delle Regioni event has become a fundamental vehicle for showcasing all the beauties of our country, a successful event that is passionate about many fans.

Gianni Bugno's presence in Belgium today immediately evoked his adventures in the north, particularly his 1994 Tour of Flanders that set all of Italy ablaze. "I raced many times here in Belgium, and it was always something special. In particular, my memory is linked to the Tour of Flanders, which was not a race suited to my characteristics, but I managed to make it mine. Let's be honest, I almost lost it. All races in these areas have a magical flavor, the audience is passionate and literally welcomes you on the streets," Bugno continues, maintaining a special memory of these territories.

And since we're here, we couldn't help but ask him what he thinks about the opening of the classics season with the supremacy (at least for now) of a rampant Van Der Poel. "Mathieu Van Der Poel is proving to be incredibly strong, at Milan-Sanremo he did a great performance and then repeated himself afterward, and then there's Pogacar, a crazy athlete who makes a difference even when he's not racing and certainly is very intimidating. Honestly, if I were him, I would have waited to race Paris-Roubaix, it's a very tricky race and in case of bad weather could become really risky."

So the spontaneous question arises: what should we expect at the Tour of Flanders? Bugno's answer is simple: "Tadej Pogacar!"