"In my time, practicing cycling for a woman meant fighting against a male-dominated environment, but everything we did, we did by choice and driven by love for this sport". These are strong and passionate words from Morena Tartagni, one of the leading representatives of the Italian women's cycling movement in the 60s and 70s, spoken on the sidelines of the presentation of the National Bicycle Day of Ghisallo held yesterday in Cesano Maderno.

Born in Emilia Romagna but now residing in the Milan area, Tartagni stated that she has always been committed to giving value to women's cycling. And with dedication, she managed to win Italian titles on the road and track, but above all, to conquer the first medal in a world championship for the Italian National Team. "After many years, when I think about the bronze in Imola 1968, I am extremely proud of being the first Azzurra to stand on a world podium," she tells us.

She continues her story: "I remember facing that race without any reference points, because back then it wasn't like today, we didn't know our opponents."

That podium shared with the Dutch Keetie Hage - who that day celebrated the first of her two world titles - and the Soviet representative Baiba Caune, who finished second, acquired a special value and meaning. "If someone had told me before that I would come third in a world championship, I wouldn't have believed it. It was truly a dream," says Morena, who then continues: "I remember perfectly that, once I got off the podium, still holding the flowers, I said to myself: 'Come on Morena! You've started winning a "battle"'". Following that race and that medal, others came: two silver medals at Leicester 1970 and Mendrisio 1971, always preceded by the Russian Anna Konkina.

Today, Morena Tartagni blows out seventy-six candles (happy birthday) but assures us that her passion for cycling has never died: "I still pedal, the bicycle is still my best medicine."

To conclude, a thought and a wish for the world championships in Rwanda: "Today's cycling is global, it's raced everywhere. From what I know, the course is very tough, but today there are great, truly great champions. Making a prediction is not easy, but as an Italian, I obviously cheer for the Azzurre, I extend my best wishes and a strong embrace to Elisa Longo Borghini and the entire National Team".