
Today's stage was simply splendid with a Giro d'Italia fought until the last meter. A day of true cycling, enhanced by an extraordinary scenario like the Cima Coppi, where the public formed an authentic human wall along the roadside (600,000 people on the route), testifying to the deep connection between the Giro and the Italian people. Bravo Yates, Del Toro, Carapaz for the spectacle.
On the eve of the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Professional Cycling League, a heartfelt thank you and a warm applause to all Italian and foreign riders who honored the pink race with courage, talent, and sacrifice. Their commitment made this Giro a great sporting spectacle.
A special praise goes to Lorenzo Fortunato, who conquered the blue jersey of best climber, demonstrating brilliance and consistency on every climb. Giulio Pellizzari, second in the young riders' classification and author of an extraordinary top 10 in the general classification, has best represented the future of our cycling. Congratulations also to Christian Scaroni, winner of the splendid San Valentino stage, and to Diego Ulissi, who proudly wore the pink jersey, giving emotions to all Italian fans. Bravo also to Tiberi, Piganzoli, Verre (2nd today) and Garofoli. Commendable Damiano Caruso, an example of dedication and sporting longevity.
Their performance confirmed the solidity and competitiveness of our movement in an increasingly high-level international context.
I also thank the two Italian teams present in the race, VF Group–Bardiani CSF–Faizan and Polti–Visit Malta, who raced with great determination, always trying. Their presence was fundamental in animating the stages, launching young talents, and keeping the national cycling flag high.
A special thanks goes to President Urbano Cairo, a central figure in the success and organizational solidity of this Giro d'Italia. His commitment to promoting Italian cycling through RCS is an invaluable asset for the entire movement.
Thanks to RCS Sport, our League associate, for the excellent organization of the race. In particular, praise to Mauro Vegni, who designed (I hope not for the last time) a fascinating, technical, and spectacular route, and to Paolo Bellino, CEO, for the strategic vision and impeccable management of the event.
A heartfelt thanks to RAI, in the person of CEO Giampaolo Rossi, for the high-level media coverage. The Stage Process, conducted with authority by Alessandro Fabretti, and the technical comments by Davide Cassani, Daniele Bennati, and Beppe Conti, who narrated the Giro with passion and competence with excellent audience feedback.
Praise also to the RAI editorial team, Cycling League partner, who told each crossed territory with content rich in cultural and landscape insights, to Eurosport and its fantastic hosts, who helped amplify the message and to all journalists present.
A sincere thanks to all the Italian municipalities involved and to my fellow mayors, who welcomed the race with warmth, efficiency, and great spirit of collaboration. Their contribution was fundamental to the event's success and to showing the world the widespread beauty of our Country.
Personally, as League President, I had the honor of attending many Giro stages, meeting riders, technicians, managers, administrators, and many protagonists of our cycling. It was a journey rich in emotions that further strengthens my commitment to the future of our sport.
But great cycling does not stop with the Giro d'Italia: now an intense and passionate phase opens with the Coppa Italia delle Regioni, which restarts with the Giro dell'Appennino, and with the highly anticipated appointment of the Italian Championships that will be held this year in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
With pride and determination, we continue to work to grow our cycling.