Christian Bagatin, a powerful rider from Orino in the province of Varese, born on June 14, 2002, is making the move to professional cycling with the MBH Bank Ballan CSB Colpack team. A sunny and outgoing guy, he is also the creator of the podcast Fuori dal Gruppo.

"Bagatin has been crucial for the team's success this season," emphasizes Antonio Bevilacqua, team manager, "even in the most challenging races. With the MBH Bank Ballan CSB Colpack jersey, he secured two victories in 2024 and narrowly missed the Italian time trial title in Grosseto, ending the year with two first places, two second places, and three third places. In 2025, he finished second at the Trofeo Tortolì in Tuscany. These seasons were marked by unexpected events, injuries, and the Covid years, but now everything is coming together, and it's a great comeback."

For Bagatin, this is a key moment that marks the end of his junior career. "I'm happy about turning professional because I'll be competing with the world's best. Now everything resets: new motivations, a higher technical level. When you enter a new category, you never really know how ready you are, and that's what creates a unique emotion."

Reflecting on the just-concluded season, he says: "In 2025, I started very strong, perhaps too strong, then I had a crash in Croatia, recovering at the Tour of Brittany. I achieved many placings, though without victories. I came close at the Trofeo De Gasperi and in the Marche region. I spent the summer at altitude and finished strong, working a lot for Cesare Chesini, winner of the Tour of Romania. Then a good Coppa Bernocchi and races in China."

On realizing he would become a professional: "Only in mid-September did I realize I would sign my first professional contract. I believe my best quality is versatility and the ability to work for the team."

And on how he sees his future: "In the toughest and fastest races, I'll be at the service of the team. However, the Coppa Bernocchi, with 17 WorldTour teams at the start, gave me a great boost: I managed to stay in the race in a very high-level event. It was the beginning of understanding that I can find my place in cycling."

Finally, his thanks: "First and foremost, thanks to my parents, who accompanied me to races and training; to the DSs who guided me over the years; to my girlfriend Isabelle, and of course to the entire team that believed in me. Without them, I would never have had this opportunity to prove myself."