Among the many talents of our cycling who have chosen to emigrate abroad is Thomas Bernardi. The cyclist from Cuneo will make his debut among the under 23s with the Caja Rural Alea, a satellite team of the Professional squad.

"I let myself be guided by my manager Luca Mazzanti (GL Promotion), because Caja Rural presents a calendar suitable for my characteristics. Therefore, I didn't hesitate. The proposal was interesting and Mazzanti suggested I seize the opportunity. I thought about it and decided on Spain".

Can you tell us about your 2025 season?
"I'm very satisfied, it went very well despite the early season problems caused by mononucleosis and the fracture to my left hand that I got in a descent at the Gran Premio Liberazione di Massa where I crashed with Colombo and Scagliola. I won four races and was selected for the European Championships in France, where I worked for the blue cause, favoring the result of my teammate Roberto Capello. I couldn't be happier".

What are the most beautiful moments you remember?
"All races were beautiful and interesting, but particularly the Loria international for quality and prestige was the most beautiful victory. I wouldn't exclude the Ghisallo, an iconic finish that takes place in a fantastic atmosphere. It was also incredible to compete in the European Championships in the blue jersey. It will remain an incredible experience".

Do you think you'll find a big difference between Junior and Under 23 categories?
"Not too much, at least I hope. Certainly the races are longer in terms of kilometers, but regarding averages they are almost similar. The important thing is to have a positive impact".

Have you marked any appointments for 2026?
"None in particular, also because I still have to define the programs with my new team. I'll go to training camp in Mojacar (Andalusia) from December 15th to 21st and with the sports director Eneko Iparragirre we'll discuss how to set up the season. There will be time for objectives".

Suitcase packed and new ambitions for climbing specialist Bernardi, 18 years old, who studies Economics at the Galileo Institute in Cuneo and approached cycling thanks to brothers Filippo and Pietro, former riders in minor categories. In Sampeyre he lives with mom Stefania, an elementary school teacher, and dad Germano, owner of a plumbing business. He started racing at 12 with Vigor of Piasco and spent the last two junior seasons with Team F.lli Giorgi where he achieved five victories, one last year and four this year. Before getting on a bike, Thomas played soccer as a striker in Vallevaraita and Cuneo and also practiced Ski Mountaineering, becoming Italian champion in Andalo, Trentino, in 2023.

"I would ski in winter and ride bike in spring and summer. Skiing is a great passion that I've cultivated since childhood, then cycling took over and now it's becoming a profession. I like skiing for the contact with nature and the feelings of freedom".

2025 Palmares - Team F.lli Giorgi juniors
four victories: Loria (UCI J1.1), Caraglio, Olgiate Molgora-Ghisallo and Adro-San Paolo d'Argon
second place in Collegno-Sestriere and Trofeo Buffoni di Montignoso
third place in Sandrigo-Monte Corno, Piasco-Lemma and Cesiomaggiore
fifth place in Cirié-Pian della Mussa
blue jersey at European Championships in Ardeche and Drome in France
2024 Palmares Team F.lli Giorgi juniors
one victory: Cirié-Pian della Mussa