It was truly a special year for the Lecco provincial committee, which blew out 30 candles in 2025, with many affiliates and successes, and the cherry on top being Filippo Conca's Italian road title. Yesterday, many came to applaud him, from the youngest categories to the presidents of numerous local societies.

The thirty years of the Lecco provincial committee were rich with events and great results. The numbers collected over these three decades speak of 115 affiliated societies, 40,439 registered members, 151 organized events, and many beautiful achievements including 9 world titles, 22 European titles, 197 national jerseys, and 556 regional titles awarded from road to off-road, embracing all categories. "The Lecco provincial committee blows out 30 candles, 30 years of cycling lived with enthusiasm and passion. We managed to organize high-level events, win prestigious titles, but above all, we experienced the extraordinary strength of our societies and athletes. 2025 was a fantastic year in which we not only reached last season's results but surpassed them. We celebrated a world title, two European titles, 12 national titles, with Filippo Conca's Italian championship standing out, which truly moved us," said committee president Alessandro Bonacina, visibly emotional. Despite being a small group, great results were achieved through commitment, and now the goal is to continue their work by nurturing young talents.

The work of the Lecco provincial committee is an excellence especially in youth activities, working with young people across all disciplines and helping them choose the most suitable one. Praise for the societies came from Lecco Province President Alessandra Hofmann and Lombardy Regional Committee President Stefano Pedrinazzi, who emphasized that the Lecco province is now one of the engines for young champions. The awarded athletes come from 16 local societies and range from the g1 to the elite category. Among the youngest, US Cassina de Bracchi and UC Costamasnaga dominated, wearing the regional champion title.

Filippo Conca was the guest of honor at the celebrations. The national title won at the end of June in Gorizia became an example of personal redemption and literally ignited the hearts of his fans. According to the record books, he is the second athlete from the Lecco province in history to win the Italian road championship in the elite category, but the first to do so with a local team, the Swatt Club based in Barzanò. "Exactly a year ago, at this time, I was already thinking about the Italian championship in June. The route wasn't defined yet, but I knew it would be my only chance. Swatt Club and Carlo Beretta welcomed me, betting on me. It was a way to come home, with friends who never abandoned me, even in difficult moments. I started pedaling in the Lecco province with many local teams that taught me how to be a rider. Winning the Italian championship is incredible, but I believe it's even more incredible to have won with Swatt. I realize my victory might still bother many, but I believe I've shown that the system needs to be somehow revised. In the meantime, I've resumed training for the next season, I'll debut in late January in Spain, then start my Italian calendar from Laigueglia, hoping to be at the start of the Giro," said Filippo Conca, as applause and compliments came from the audience.

The Lecco provincial committee's celebration was also an opportunity to celebrate the career of Simone Petilli, who after ten professional seasons decided to hang up his bike. "I grew up in the Lecco province, and even though I went to race abroad, I'll always be a Lecco native. The years have passed incredibly quickly, and I find myself stopping almost without realizing it. But in my career, I've accumulated many experiences, met many people, and it was beautiful. I even knew Tadej Pogacar before he turned pro, and I can say I contributed a bit to his first victory. It was already clear he was a champion. My only regret is never having won a race, though I came close, like at Campo Imperatore at the Giro, which was a great opportunity. There's certainly disappointment, but I believe I learned a lot. I didn't achieve great milestones, but my captains did, for whom I sacrificed myself a lot. The respect I earned is equivalent to a small victory." Petilli, visibly emotional, looked back at some videos from his career. Originally from Bellano and always connected to the territory, he certainly won't leave the cycling world but will simply experience it from the other side. He has already been following some young people and societies from Lecco and Como provinces as a trainer for some time. It was a true triumph for him and Filippo Conca, who were then literally mobbed by the youngest and others for photos, autographs, and advice. A unique opportunity to meet their champions and celebrate the achievements of the Lecco provincial committee.

Below is the list of societies to which the awarded athletes belong: UC Costamasnaga, Team Alba Orobia Bike, US Cassina De Bracchi, BMT Valsassina, Trrevila Bike, Quota 20 BMX Garlate, Swatt Club, Pedale Senaghese, GS Alzate Brianza, Ktm Academy Le Marmotte, Ktm Spada Powered By Brenta, Wilier Vittoria Factory Team, Lissone MTB, Tam Cmo Bike, Top Girls Fassa Bortolo.

(photo Carlo Monguzzi)