When we think of cycling and San Marino, the first image is usually of the many professional riders who have chosen to reside in the tiny republic on Mount Titano — blending tax benefits, quality of life and perfect terrain for training. From Del Toro to Ciccone, from Fortunato to Piganzoli, there are over 50 of them. But have you ever wondered who is currently the most representative Sammarinese cyclist? The answer is… female. Pharmacist Valentina Venerucci, who after years of amateur sport found a team at 31 and fulfilled the dream of riding the Giro d’Italia Women.

Yes, she finished far back in the standings, 2h21 behind Elisa Longo Borghini and Marlen Reusser. But she finished — at her first-ever participation in a race of this level. A small, great achievement.

Last week I joined Un Podcast Serenissimo with Daniele Dei, coordinator of the Brigata Mai 1 Gioia, a group of Sammarinese football and sports enthusiasts. In that episode, we interviewed two athletes who shone at the end of May in the Games of the Small States of Europe: volleyball player Lorenzo Benvenuti — once libero for Modena under Julio Velasco with Zaytsev as captain — and, of course, Valentina Venerucci. In the women’s road race in Andorra, she claimed third place behind Luxembourg pros Marie Schreiber and Nina Berton.

Below is a written adaptation of the podcast section dedicated to Valentina.

What sports did you practice before cycling, and how did you end up on the bike?

“As a girl I did classical dance for 16 years, then switched to trail running. That’s where I discovered the beauty of sports where you compete with yourself in nature. I raced in major events, including the 2023 World Championships in Innsbruck. The problem was the injuries I kept suffering downhill. That’s why I preferred Vertical races — short but with plenty of elevation gain.

Last year, after another injury, with the advice and support of my family and coach, I decided to try road cycling. What started as rehab became a true love. I challenged myself: could I transfer my climber’s skills as a trail runner onto the bike? I felt good right away on the climbs and was encouraged to race at amateur level. My debut was October 6, 2024, at the Lugo–San Marino: the only woman in the bunch, I struggled a bit to stay in the peloton but, with the help of friends like amateur rider Gianluca Boschetti, I finished 12th. A week later I was 4th at the Bellaria Montetiffi — and from there everything started.

In 2025 came my big chance: thanks especially to San Marino cycling federation president Walter Baldiserra and my coach Maurizio Tura, I was signed by Monex (the Mexico-based outfit also active in the men’s and women’s peloton, the one that launched Isaac Del Toro). After some top-10s in France (5th at Alpes Gresivaudan Classic, 10th at Tour des Pyrénées) I moved to Aromitalia Vaiano — and that opened the door to the Giro.”

Before the Giro you represented San Marino at the Games of the Small States of Europe. What was that like?

“It was my first time in such a multi-sport event — and in a discipline I had only just started. Representing not only my country but also cycling, in a week where we cheered each other on with the other Sammarinese athletes (we all know each other, since there’s only one school in San Marino!) was unforgettable.

I also want to mention my national teammate Camilla Stacchini: she did an incredible job keeping me in the main group and chasing down attacks. Then, when the road went uphill, I was able to shine and take the bronze medal.”

Let’s talk about the Giro Women.

“When they told me, I couldn’t believe it. Until June 24 I had no idea what awaited me ten days later: an Italian Continental team asked me to ride the Giro with them… unbelievable.

Of course, the corsa rosa was incredible. The highlight for me came in stage 6, from Bellaria Igea Marina to Terre Roveresche, when the race passed through San Marino early on. Seeing familiar and unfamiliar faces cheering me on, with banners and shouts of ‘hey, that’s the Sammarinese rider!’ — it erased all the fatigue and gave me magical energy.”

In some ways, your story recalls Monica Trinca Colonel’s rise from amateur to pro. Is she an inspiration?

“There might be similarities and yes, she’s an inspiration. But that’s where the comparisons end: I’m enjoying my dream step by step. I’m happy to race for Aromitalia and to be where I am today. Surrounded by people who believe in me and make this possible — that’s already my victory.”

And what about Daniela Veronesi, San Marino’s greatest ever female cyclist, who won Giro Donne stages and finished top-10 at Worlds in the late ’90s?

“I know her personally, even if we’ve never trained together. I’m proud of how she raised the white and light blue Sammarinese flag in women’s cycling. I can only take inspiration, working seriously despite the challenges of balancing training with my job as a pharmacist. Luckily, I have an employer and colleagues who make it possible.”

Do you ever train with some of the many pros based in San Marino?

“For me, and for all Sammarinese cycling fans, it’s a huge motivation to see pros training on our roads. When I watch them ride, it feels like another sport. Yet sometimes I find myself training with them — when their busy calendars allow. I’ve been out with Eleonora Gasparrini, Barbara Guarischi, Rachele Barbieri, Letizia Paternoster, Alexander Konychev (who even represented San Marino at the Games in Andorra, finishing 6th in the men’s race won by Luxembourg’s Mats Wenzel), Kevin Colleoni, Simone Consonni and Simone Velasco.”

Is there a women’s national championship in San Marino?

“Not yet, only amateur races. But it’s great to see more young girls getting into cycling each year — including Camilla Stacchini, just 17, with whom I’ve built a strong bond. I hope I can be an example for the next generation of Sammarinese riders.”