At the Italian Bike Festival currently taking place at Misano World Circuit, the most important cycling companies are exhibiting their jewels and organizing meetings between their brand ambassadors and the many enthusiasts present during this long and hot weekend.

Walking among the stands, we encountered active riders like Simone Consonni, Marta Cavalli and Salvatore Puccio, together with great former champions such as Vincenzo Nibali, Marco Aurelio Fontana, Alessandro Petacchi, Gianni Bugno, Alessandro Ballan, Claudio Chiappucci, Maurizio Fondriest, Riccardo Magrini, Daniel Oss, Fabio Aru, Mario Cipollini, Davide Cassani, Filippo Pozzato and Nicolas Roche.

Among the most applauded and anticipated by the public today was Alejandro Valverde, who rode in Movistar jersey during the social ride organized by Canyon, signed autographs and posed for countless photos. In the crowd, we managed to exchange a few words with the Spanish champion who now enjoys gravel riding and, at a glance, still looks as fit as when he was racing.

"I'm very happy to be back in Italy, there are always so many fans waiting for me and showing me their warmth. You ask me if I miss racing? The first year I must admit yes, but not anymore. If I can, I ride every day, 15-20 hours a week, the bike remains my life companion, pedaling my favorite activity," told us the 2018 World Champion, who is now the Spanish National Team Coach.