The Castle of Melegnano hosted Friday evening the presentation of the "Forgiveness Grand Prix" 2025, an international cycling competition organized by the Sangiulianese Cycling Union, now in its 44th edition. On Monday, April 21, the day after Easter, 176 athletes from 4 continents representing 18 foreign and 12 Italian teams will battle sportingly along the entire 128.7 kilometers.

The event was opened by Melegnano Mayor Vito Bellomo, who emphasized how the Forgiveness Grand Prix is a key event of the Forgiveness Fair, a historic manifestation that animates Melegnano during the Easter period. Bellomo wanted to thank the organizers of the Sangiulianese Cycling Union, the volunteers, and the supporters of the sporting event for their work.

Compliments also came from Cycling Federation President Cordiano Dagnoni, who stated: "Having a Society like Sangiulianese that makes itself available for youth cycling is truly very important. The movement must aim for medals, but we must start from basic activities. The activity of young kids is fundamental, and fundamental are the Societies, volunteers, supporters, and families". President Dagnoni continued: "If the Forgiveness Grand Prix has been reborn and has an international standing, it is thanks to a Society like Sangiulianese and all the people who are committed to this. I thank you on behalf of the entire Federal Council and urge you to continue like this".

Also present at the vernissage was Italian Junior National Team Coach Edoardo Salvoldi, who recalled how in the 2024 season Alessio Magagnotti (who became world champion in track with the quartet) and Lorenzo Finn (then World Champion on the road) performed well at the Melegnano Forgiveness Grand Prix. "The expectations," Salvoldi declared, "are more or less the same as last year. The race route is apparently simple but, as has happened in the past, the quality of the participants will be very high, there will be 18 foreign formations and 12 teams among the best in Italy, this will certainly determine the course of the race. On Monday, April 21, I will be in Melegnano, an attentive and interested spectator of the Melegnano Forgiveness Grand Prix".

The event enjoys the patronage of Lombardy Region, and during the evening, the Undersecretary with Sports and Youth Delegation Federica Picchi sent a video message that was projected in the room.

The Trophy "Assicurazioni Generali Melegnano Mediceo Lobaccaro" was then unveiled, which the winner will raise to the sky on the final podium. Federico Locatelli, representative of the main sponsor company and former cyclist of Sangiulianese, emphasized the sporting and social aspects of an event like the Forgiveness Grand Prix, highlighting the importance of road safety and inviting respect for cyclists: "On this important occasion, I would like to launch a message for everyone, never forget that cycling is fun, the road belongs to everyone, and the safety of those who cycle for fun on the roads of our cities is extremely important".

Marco Toni, president of the Sangiulianese Cycling Union, highlighted the not only sporting but also social importance of the event, stating: "The Forgiveness Grand Prix is not just a bicycle race, it is much more. It is an event that unites and makes people fraternize. In Melegnano, in a few days, the Israeli National team will arrive, some Russian boys who will be lined up by club teams, boys and staff members from many different nations. They will spend the eve of the race together, staying in the same facilities before racing shoulder to shoulder, united by their passion for cycling". And further: "I am certain that, as happened last year, all these boys and their accompanying staff will take home an indelible memory of their experience at the Forgiveness Grand Prix".

President Toni then wanted to thank the directors of the Italian Cycling Federation: President Dagnoni, Lombardy Cycling Vice President Pietro Foroni; Provincial Presidents Luca Arrara (Milan), Igor Giaron (Varese), Mario Massimini (Lodi); the newly appointed National Technical Structure Track President Fabio Perego, as well as all civil authorities and representatives of the many institutions that sponsor the event.

THE ROUTE – On Monday, April 21, the preliminary operations for the race will be hosted by the Municipality of Melegnano. At 9:00 am, after traveling a short transfer section, the event will start from Via Roma in Melegnano. After a short circuit, the caravan will tackle the linear section that, through the provinces of Milan, Lodi, and Pavia, will lead to the municipal territory of San Colombano al Lambro, where athletes will begin the Banini Hills circuit characterized by the Belfuggito Climb to be tackled three times with as many Mountain Grand Prizes up for grabs. After the third lap of the circuit, the group will again face the linear section to return to Melegnano. The last kilometers will certainly be animated by the circuit traced between Melegnano, Colturano, Dresano, Casalmaiocco, and Vizzolo Predabissi before returning to the city and the grand finale in Via Roma expected shortly after noon at the end of 128 kilometers of racing.

THE TEAMS – Israel National, Austria National, Hungary National, Switzerland National, South Netherlands Representative, Canton Ticino Representative (Switzerland), Team Grenke Auto Eder (Germany), Prologue Junior Racing Team (Great Britain), Ara Skip Capital (Australia), Academy U19 Region Sud (France), Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale (France), CC Etupes (France), PC Baix Ebre (Spain), Monex Pro Cycling (Mexico), Pogi UAE Generali (Slovenia), Adria Mobil (Slovenia), Renonix Kovo Praha (Czech Republic), Velo Talent (Poland), Petrucci Assali Steffen, Industrie Forniture Moro Spercenigo, Autozai Contri, Pedale Parmense, Canturino 1902, Pedale Casalese Armofer, Bustese Olonia, Feralpi Monteclarense, Ciclistica Trevigliese, Team Giorgi, GB Junior Pool Cantù, Fagnano Nuova.

THE JERSEYS – There will be three distinctive jerseys up for grabs in the 2025 edition of the Forgiveness Grand Prix.

The white and red jersey "Lobaccaro Assicurazioni Generali Melegnano Mediceo" will be worn by the winner of the 2025 Forgiveness Grand Prix.

The white and blue jersey "Vantage Data Centers" will go to the winner of the Intermediate Sprints classification.

The white and green jersey "Confcommercio Melegnano" will go to the best climber.