At the end of the first Para-cycling World Cup event in Ostend, President Cordiano Dagnoni wanted to congratulate the para-athletes involved these days, while also expressing condolences for the passing of cycling enthusiast Michele Negri and Piero Pratesi from the Pistoia motorcyclists group.

"In a sad day for the Italian Cycling Federation - to the families of Michele Negri and Piero Pratesi, I express, on behalf of the entire movement, pain and closeness - with the World Cup event in Ostend, the long journey towards the Los Angeles Paralympics has begun. The results obtained in Belgium reinforce the awareness that our Paralympic movement maintains a prominent position internationally. I congratulate all the para-athletes who competed these days, some of whom are wearing the azzurra jersey for the first time and already on the podium, and the entire staff, who have embarked on this new path with renewed enthusiasm. The Italian cycling movement in these first months is giving important signals. I pleasantly greet the return to success of Elia Viviani, an exemplary man and athlete, a reference point for many athletes. Congratulations also to the other Italian cyclists who have distinguished themselves this week, from Lorenzo Fortunato to Matteo Malucelli, from Giovanni Lonard to Martina Fidanza and Barbara Guarischi. It seems like a good way to approach the upcoming Giro d'Italia."

The Italian Para-cycling National Team closes the first World Cup stage in Ostend in great style, adding to its already rich medal collection with other important results in the road races. In total, Italy wins 13 medals, including 5 golds, 2 silvers, and 6 bronzes, confirming the great level reached by the team.

In the first day of road races, Giorgio Farroni triumphs in the T1 category and, after winning silver in the time trial, takes the World Cup leader jersey. The same goes for Roberta Amadeo, who also wins gold in the WH2 category after her time trial success, while Ana Maria Vitelaru finishes third in the WH5 category, repeating her time trial result. Luca Mazzone, bronze in the time trial, does not finish the road race in the MH2 category due to a technical problem. "He didn't fall, but his foot slipped off and he couldn't finish the race," explains team coach Pierpaolo Addesi. And further: "I hoped Farroni would make up for his second place in the time trial with a sprint, and so it was. Ana confirmed her podium position, although we are still behind in preparation. These are nonetheless results I expected".

In the male H3 category, Mirko Testa finishes fourth after a tactical race: "After the usual initial breakaway by the French rider Bosredon, a group of seven chasers formed with Mirko inside. The guys worked well to put him in a position to fight for bronze. He came close, he did a great performance. Too bad, but I see a lot of team spirit and we can still grow ahead of the World Championships".

The last day of races in Ostend, dedicated to road races for cyclists and tandems, brings more satisfaction to the azzurra group, which closes the Belgian event with another 6 medals.

Among the standout performances is Claudia Cretti, who wins her first international road gold in the WC5 category. A clear victory, the result of a meticulously prepared controlled race: "Last night we studied the right point to launch the sprint - explains CT Pierpaolo Addesi -. Claudia was impeccable, followed the plan to the letter and demonstrated her full potential".

No less impressive is the achievement of the male tandem Lorenzo Bernard-Paolo Totò, who wins gold after a highly contested race. The CT: "They raced with great intelligence and determination. Always in the thick of the race, ready to respond at key moments. A victory built with clarity and strength".

The day continues with the bronze in the male tandem by Federico Andreoli and Francesco Di Felice. "Considering that Di Felice was coming from two months of stop and Andreoli is not yet at 100%, their podium is worth a lot," observes the team coach. "They were here to get familiar with the environment and instead surprised everyone with a perfect sprint".

There was also satisfaction in the female tandem, where Chiara Colombo and Elena Bissolati won silver. "Perhaps they underestimated the breakaway of the Polish riders, which proved decisive. If it had come down to a sprint, they would have had excellent chances of winning. But they still had a good race".

A dream debut for Giacomo Salvalaggio, who, at his first appearance in the azzurra jersey, immediately wins a World Cup podium in the MC5 category, taking third place. A significant result not only for the young athlete but also for the para-cycling category, in which the National Team is investing heavily to guarantee new talents and give new life to the group.

The day concludes with the Team Relay event, a discipline in which Italy has always expressed excellent results. The azzurri, with Mirko Testa, Luca Mazzone, and Davide Cortini, win the bronze medal, finishing behind France, which wins gold, and Austria, silver. A result that underlines the strength and cohesion of the group, even in team competitions, consolidating Italy's positive tradition in this discipline.

A balance that leaves CT Addesi satisfied: "It was a memorable weekend. The level here was extremely high, all the strongest nations were present, and our guys responded with high-quality performances".

ALL RESULTS