Filippo Turconi was the best Italian in the general classification at the Giro Next Gen, finishing fifth at 1'47" behind Slovenian Jakob Omrzel. Thanks to his lucid and aggressive racing style, he managed to conclude the most prestigious stage race in the Under 23 international calendar as a protagonist. A result that the Varese rider from VF Group Bardiani Csf Faizanè did not expect, but which reflects his excellent current form: "In fact, I started without particular ambitions, the goal was to finish among the top ten, but I must admit that the fifth place was a great satisfaction - Turconi explains -. In this Giro with an extremely high level of competitors, I wanted above all to understand where I could get to and how my body would react in an eight-day stage race. Let's say I managed my energy well, and the team also worked a lot and well. My teammate Scalco and I supported each other well in the mountain stages, and we fought every day".

Second place in Gavi, behind Irish rider Adam Rafferty, sixth at Prato Nevoso, ninth at Passo Maniva and Cantù, tenth at Pinerolo: decisive placements for the Varese climber who, yesterday, at the Giro dell'Appennino, was good at taking advantage of this moment by obtaining a significant eleventh place.

Born practically on a bicycle, Turconi grew up in a family where almost everyone has been a cyclist, especially his uncle Stefano Zanini, a former professional (winner of Amstel Gold Race, Paris-Brussels, two Giro d'Italia stages and one Tour de France stage) and now sports director at XDS Astana Team.

"Uncle Stefano is the example to follow, a source of inspiration who opened the doors to this beautiful sport for me. If I have any doubts, he is the first person I turn to, his advice is very precious".

Filippo, born on October 20, 2005, grew up in the youth ranks of Ju Green in Gorla Minore and then spent six seasons (from beginner to juniors) with the Unione Ciclistica Bustese Olonia, with which he obtained about twenty victories. "Bustese Olonia was like a real family, from the president to the entire management staff. They made me feel like a son, and I was very pleased to race for this society that I consider one of the most serious around".

He lives in Busto Arsizio, in the Varese area, with his father Roberto, a freelance professional who repairs doors, his mother Moira Tarraran (a former cyclist) now a surveyor, and his younger brother Matteo, who is also a cyclist. Filippo graduated as a surveyor at the "Facchinetti" in Castellanza and spends his free time reading science fiction books and playing with Lego boxes - "I've always been fascinated by building with those colored cubes" - or relaxing in front of the TV. For Turconi, no Italian championship (Gorizia, June 29): after the Giro dell'Appennino, the nineteen-year-old from Varese returned home, where he will continue training in preparation for upcoming commitments that he will soon establish with his team's technical management.