Cycling cannot and should not be just about forming champions and winning races. Cycling means promoting safety, from every perspective, starting from the youngest age groups. It happens that a professional structure, Cofidis, which is not only a WorldTeam but also the branch of a French credit institution very attentive to delicate social issues, has decided to launch a project that raises awareness about road safety and safety while cycling.

The pilot episode of this project was named PEDALARE SICURI (in English Safe Cycling) and took place today, not by chance on World Bicycle Day, with top-quality partners: Biesse Carrera Premac, a Continental team present vertically across the entire youth chain, and Vittoria Park, an exceptional location to learn and test oneself, between technique and safety, on varied terrain at the headquarters of the tire manufacturing company. With the patronage of the Municipality of Brembate, represented by Mayor Luca Rosa and Sports Councilor Simone Locatelli, who highlighted this "beautiful example of collaboration between public and private sectors for the common good".

Over thirty young people, including Biesse Carrera athletes (6 Kids, 6 Youth, 4 Cadets, 4 Juniors and 3 Under 23, including Nicola Rossi who just returned to racing after a terrible injury almost three months ago) and middle school students from Brembate Sotto, were able to enjoy some bicycle safety lessons, including a "masterclass" on changing inner tubes, conducted by the Vittoria Park staff led by Loredana Calò. Afterward, the Biesse Carrera Premac athletes tested themselves on the ups and downs and different surfaces of the track, a true Italian showcase.

"Every small gesture, like getting on a bike with awareness, can translate into a positive change for the entire community" said Elena Aureli, Human Resources Director of Cofidis Italia. "With Pedalare Sicuri we want to send a concrete signal in favor of new generations. According to Istat data, in 2023 alone, over 15000 children between 5 and 14 years old were involved in road accidents, and the World Health Organization highlights that proper road education started early can reduce the risk of accidents by 40%. The bicycle, an emblem of sustainability, can be much more than a means of transportation!"

These sentiments were echoed by Cofidis' Italian Sports Director Roberto Damiani ("This project has been in gestation for 9 months, just like a child: if even just one accident is prevented thanks to afternoons like this, we'll have won") and, also fresh from the Giro d'Italia, the rider Stefano Oldani: "One is never emotionally prepared for falls and injuries, but they are precious lessons to learn from".

You'll be able to hear our interviews with Damiani and Oldani in next week's BlaBlaBike podcast, as well as listen to Biesse Carrera Premac President Simone Boifava (present together with patron Bruno Bindoni and Sports Director Marco Milesi) who concluded: "When Pedalare Sicuri was proposed to us, we didn't hesitate: the first lesson we transmit to our young cyclists is respect for rules, and being able to collaborate with the Cofidis team in this direction is a source of pride and stimulus to continue with ever-increasing commitment".