On July 6th, 8 years ago, Claudia Cretti's cycling career was abruptly interrupted when a terrible accident at the Giro d'Italia Women changed the young athlete's life forever. From that moment, there was a slow restart, the desire to return to racing, joining the para-cycling selection in 2021, world championships, Paralympics, and a bronze medal narrowly missed in Paris 2024. Today, however, Claudia's story gains a new chapter, right at the start of the women's stage race in Bergamo, her Bergamo, with an important and beautiful announcement: Claudia Cretti officially enters the Top Girls Fassa Bortolo selection and will be at the start of upcoming Italian open races.

Claudia has been waiting for this moment for a long time, a true dream resuming 8 years later. Many things have certainly changed, but not the Bergamo native's determination who can't wait to launch into the challenge. Just look into her eyes to understand her immense emotion. "It's a dream coming true and I still can't believe it, 8 years ago I was one of the Giro girls, I had many rivals, I loved cycling, then everything changed – Claudia tells us – already joining the para-cycling selection was beautiful, but from there I started to discover that there could be a further step. Being here in Bergamo making this announcement is crazy, I'm truly excited, I'm ready to return. It's a new challenge I can't wait to face, I believe that in cycling what counts are the head, the legs, and the heart, my love for this sport has never changed and it's what gives me the strength to restart."

Claudia Cretti's arrival in Fassa Bortolo was an obstacle course, but made possible by the Federation and sponsors who always believed in the Bergamo native's qualities and this special project that in Italy is unique in its kind. The first proposal came from the Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre and the para-cycling national team coach Pierpaolo Addesi, then the work of Lucio Rigato who welcomed her into his Top Girls Fassa Bortolo and Alessia Piccolo who created the jerseys in record time was fundamental. Claudia shows them with pride, explaining her choice and thanking one by one all the people who supported her. "Actually, I've known about this possibility for a few years, but I knew it wouldn't be so simple, in Italy there isn't a real regulation about this, it was an exceptional event. The Gruppo Sportivo Fiamme Azzurre gave me a great hand, many people moved to help me and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. There's Lucio who welcomed me, Alessia who created incredible jerseys – Claudia continues – I know it will be difficult, para-cycling races are maximum 90 km long, open races are different. I'll have to work hard, but I believe I'll soon reap the rewards."

Claudia will officially debut on Friday in Parabiago at the Trofeo Rancilio, a race already fascinating in itself and somehow destined to make history. The Bergamo native's is effectively the first case of an Italian Paralympic cyclist returning to compete in races reserved for able-bodied athletes, an important step already taken by other nations. All of Claudia's world rivals are used to competing in their country's elite races, a significant opportunity that allows for a different race pace and increased competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Bergamo native's calendar already includes Para-cycling events in late August in Belgium, perfect for her characteristics, and track events in Rio de Janeiro in October. Claudia Cretti is ready to live her new adventure with great emotion and a clear thought in mind: Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.

(photo credit image 1 and 2 Carlo Monguzzi)