Cristian Scaroni was the only Italian to win a stage at the Giro d'Italia this year: he won in San Valentino (Trento), crossing the finish line hand in hand with his teammate Lorenzo Fortunato. Fourth at the European Championship and winner of the Coppa Italia delle Regioni, the 28-year-old from Brescia with Xds-Astana was one of the most beautiful surprises of the season and wants to confirm himself next year.

Blue leader's jersey and Maestro Pistoletto's trophy as winner of the Coppa Italia delle Regioni: a great satisfaction.
"It's definitely a source of pride, it crowns an almost perfect season. I've achieved many victories, I'm truly satisfied with the entire team and with myself. However, now comes the harder part, which is confirming myself. I'm ready and for 2026 I'll start confident and aware of my abilities."

Scaroni had targeted the Coppa Italia delle Regioni and for this reason tried not to miss any opportunity, hunting for points that led him to finish first in this challenge.

"From the races in Tuscany, where I made several placements, I understood that the Coppa Italia was an achievable goal. Then the advantage increased and after the European Championship, I realized it was practically done. I immediately took the jersey in Laigueglia, a day I remember very well, I believe it was the race where I performed best. From there I accumulated points, then I lost some races due to my injury, I lost the leadership, I came back in Larciano and from there I scored a lot of points and never lost the leadership again".

This year Scaroni also developed a special relationship with the president of the Professional Cycling League, Roberto Pella.
"He truly loves cycling, he never missed any Coppa delle Regioni: I appreciate this type of person and his warmth, his love for cycling and especially for riders. You can see it plainly, it's a special relationship".

For 2026, the rider from Brescia wants to finish first again in this prize that in some way represents all of Italy.
"I'll try to win this competition again. It's not easy because we need to evaluate the calendar, we'll wait until December 1st to see the Giro d'Italia route and then we'll decide".