The Italian ski champion Mattia Casse takes to the saddle for a special cause, participating on June 6th and 7th in the 23rd edition of the Castelli24h in Feltre, to support the charitable project "Six Hundred Heartbeats for NICU".

Casse's team of friends, athletes, amateurs, and enthusiasts will tackle this cycling marathon in the Charity Classification, with the goal of raising funds to purchase a thermal crib for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo.

The initiative, created through collaboration with the Aiuto al Neonato ODV Association, which also involves Ivan Sardi, Perform Sport Medical Center, and Pedalare per la Vita, began with a Charity Dinner on April 4th in Bergamo, during which game memorabilia donated by famous athletes were auctioned, creating a moment of awareness and community involvement.

Casse's team is composed of Dalila Ivana Sasso, a strong cyclist, Rebecca Badarello, a former ski athlete now cycling enthusiast, Sara Sandrini, triathlon champion, Luca Ruggeri, Thomas Rossi, Michele Gualazzi, former national alpine ski team member, Nicola Manenti and Adriano Cassarà, all registered with Swatt Club, Benjamin Alliod, Mattia's World Cup ski teammate, Stefano Cecchini, Italy's most winning amateur cyclist, and Federico Balconi, lawyer and founder of ZeroSbatti and partner of the initiative.

"I can't wait to participate in this challenge with my team," Casse stated. "We are motivated and competitive, and we want to do our part to help children and families in difficulty. This is a project that means a lot to me and I hope it can make a difference. The city of Bergamo welcomed me warmly, and I'm proud to reciprocate by collaborating to support an excellent department where many children from all over Northern Italy are hospitalized and treated each year."

The public and supporters are all invited to visit the Six Hundred Heartbeats for NICU association's stand at the event village to meet the team, share experiences, and donate to the cause.

Crucial are also the partners making this solidarity challenge possible: Santini, Zero Sbatti, Falconeri, Adidas, SanBernardo, Levelgloves, Koo and Kask, Probios, Primec mechanical processing, TNE, Itacomnet.

"I sincerely thank all the friends and partners who enthusiastically embraced this initiative; together we can make a difference!" Casse concluded. "The Castelli24h in Feltre will be more than a race: it will be a ride for life, united by the heartbeat of those who believe that sport can change the world, one child at a time."

For the cycling marathon, Mattia Casse chose a 3T Strada Italia (Rival AXS 2x12 Group, Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels), a bicycle with a completely Made in Italy frame, reactive, stable at high speeds, and also comfortable over long distances.

The Castelli24h in Feltre is the only road cycling marathon in Italy that takes place on a city circuit completely closed to car traffic. It is a relay race where athletes from each team take turns cycling for 24 hours. The event, a true happening for the city, sees the participation of sports champions from different disciplines, music and entertainment personalities, and famous entrepreneurs.

Mattia Casse's upcoming events on two wheels and beyond are:

Maratona dles Dolomites: Casse will be one of the protagonists of the talks at the Maratona Village, as well as running the cycling gran fondo that takes place among the spectacular Dolomite passes of Alta Badia, with panoramic and challenging routes (July 5-6)

Cervino Week: the athlete will be present for an intervention dedicated to alpine skiing and to meet his fans during the summer event series of cultural, sports, and naturalistic events at the foot of the Matterhorn, dedicated to the mountain and the Valdostan territory (July 14-20)

Who is Mattia Casse

Mattia Casse is an Italian alpine skier among the most respected in the international panorama, specialized in the fast disciplines of downhill and super-G. Born in Moncalieri and raised in the mountains of Oulx, he built a career based on determination, consistency, and great resilience.

He made his World Cup debut in 2009, immediately standing out the following year by winning the gold medal in downhill and bronze in super-G at the 2010 Junior World Championships in Megève, France. Since then, he has undertaken a steady growth, earning the respect of experts thanks to his precise technical style, clean skiing, and remarkable mental strength.

Throughout his career, he has faced all the typical high-level challenges, including injuries and fierce competition, but has always demonstrated the ability to get back up with grit and concentration, becoming an example of professionalism and dedication.

His highest moment comes in December 2024, when he wins his first World Cup victory, triumphing in the Val Gardena super-G with just a hundredth of a second margin in an exciting race. The success, achieved in his 200th World Cup race, represents a turning point in his career and certifies his presence among the great speed specialists.

With over 200 appearances and 4 podiums in the World Cup, five World Championship participations, Casse is now one of the reference points of the Italian national team. His story is a testimony of perseverance, commitment, and passion: values that make him a central figure for Italian skiing and an inspiring model for new generations.