The 53rd Peace Cup coincides with two important milestones: half a century of collaboration with the Anelli family, with the trophy bearing their name established in 1975 now reaching its 50th edition, and the celebrations of 80 years of activity of the Pedale Riminese, the heart of the organization together with the Sant'Ermete Sports Club, which has become one of the most anticipated cycling events in the national and international amateur calendar.

To a large audience of supporters, enthusiasts, sports figures from past and present, institutional and law enforcement representatives, invited by the Anelli Family and organizers to the Zanni house (reviving a historic tradition that for years preceded the actual race), the 53rd Peace Cup - 50th Fratelli Anelli Trophy was officially presented, which will start on Sunday, June 1st at 1:30 PM as per protocol, from the square in front of the F.lli Anelli company in Sant'Ermete.

"50 years is a long time, even though it seems like it all started just yesterday," greets the guests Alvaro Anelli, the perfect host, "but we are here with the same enthusiasm and passion that never fades. We look ahead, thinking about this edition and future editions of the Peace Cup. The young riders who perform well here in Sant'Ermete enter the professional ranks in 2 or 3 years, and many of them leave a mark in cycling history. This is my wish for the athletes who will race on June 1st and for all those who will come, while I thank all of you for being here, for the support and friendship you show us every year."

Joining him on stage were Santarcangelo di Romagna Mayor Filippo Sacchetti, Pierluigi De Vitis - President of the Emilia Romagna Regional Cycling Federation, National Under-23 Road Cycling Team Coach Marino Amadori, and the evening's guest of honor Claudio Chiappucci. Greetings were also brought by Rodolfo Zavatta - CONI delegate for the province of Rimini, Daniele Bertozzi - Rimini Provincial Cycling Federation President, and Marino Maresi, with Alice Parma - Emilia Romagna Regional Councilor and Michele Lari - Rimini Municipality Sports Assessor also in the audience.

Claudio Chiappucci, a great champion who never raced the Peace Cup: "Thinking back, I don't know why I never participated, but in my time, youth teams moved less for races, rarely going far," Chiappucci recalls, "but today we need active people like those I met here, and new talents capable of continuing to organize quality competitions fundamental for athletes' growth."

The evening was an opportunity to retrace half a century of emotions dispensed by the race, to meet athletes who have distinguished themselves over the years in the cycling world: Glauco Santoni, Claudio Savini, and Davide Carli took the stage to share their memories. Paolo Savoldelli and last year's winner Kevin Pezzo Rosola sent video greetings. Claudio Chiappucci was asked to share a memory of Marco Pantani: "The first meeting, when the contract signing was being considered, I remember his desire to do, to learn the trade."

Marino Amadori was tasked with introducing the technical characteristics of the route. A proven circuit of just under 174 kilometers, which for this special edition becomes more selective with the introduction of a small but substantial modification: while passages on the valley floor section between Santarcangelo, Verucchio, and Poggio Torriana decrease from 3 to 2, the repetitions of the route section climbing along the slopes of Sant'Ermete hills to the GPM in San Paolo locality increase from 8 to 10, with the subsequent technical descent towards Marecchiese. "The Peace Cup circuit is suitable for riders with different characteristics, as the honor roll demonstrates," explains Marino Amadori, "but it's not easy to control and interpret. A few days after the Peace Cup, the Under-23 Giro d'Italia will start. I looked at the names of the 30 teams that confirmed their presence, including 9 foreign ones, and noticed the presence of youth teams from notable professional companies. I imagine that several athletes who will participate in the stage race will be here in Sant'Ermete to prepare, despite the busy international calendar forcing societies to make many choices."

Closing the presentation, symbolically united in the room were the first Anelli Trophy won in 1975 by Alfio Vandi and the trophy that Alvaro and Alberto Anelli will present to the overall winner of the Peace Cup on June 1st.

So, an appointment for all cycling enthusiasts and not only, on June 1st to discover the winner of the Peace Cup, which we recall is an international U23 road cycling race, category 1.2 MU, valid for the UCI Europe Tour, and also awards the Dini Trophy, the Golden Cap, and fondly remembers Fabio Casartelli.