Stefano Viezzi won with strength and determination, securing a second national title in the under-23 category that once again confirms his clear and impetuous talent. It was not an easy race; on the contrary, the frost on the Brugherio course began to melt, and in no time, the terrain became a virtual soap dish where it was difficult to stay upright. Two laps from the finish, Stefano took the lead and became unstoppable.

«In the first laps, we made many mistakes, and the race was at risk of falling apart from the start, but then we regrouped. The course was truly challenging and quite dangerous in some sections. I wanted to stay at the front at all costs to be secure in the technical parts and prevent anyone from forcing me to stop. I must say I was quite lucky in the final laps; Scoppini crashed, and I fortunately made as few mistakes as possible. Once I took the lead, I never let it go» Stefano explains, visibly emotional. This is his second consecutive national title, but reconfirming is far from simple, especially in a competitive category like under-23. The Italian champion's jersey is special, something one is never tired of, and as he explains, being able to wear it abroad and carry it around Europe makes it even more magical. «Looking back a year ago, many things have changed. I was coming from a collarbone injury and wasn't in top form. Only in the last month and a half of the race did I finally feel good. This time, my condition is really excellent, and winning the Italian championship gives me great motivation. I'll wear this jersey for a whole year, and for me, who races mostly abroad, it's truly wonderful. In Belgium, they recognize it immediately; it's a symbol of prestige, a way to make myself known.»

In 2025, the young Friulian also began his adventure with the Alpecin Premier Tech development team, a new environment with a more open but more ambitious mentality. It's certainly a step forward that gave him confidence in his abilities and a more decisive program between road and cyclocross, leaving nothing behind. By early September, his road races were already over, but his mind was already focused on off-road, where he secured a double podium in the World Cup at the end of November. «Continuing to compete in both road and cyclocross is a choice I made without any doubt. Since I was a kid, I've been used to juggling both activities, and it's now part of me. It's something that doesn't weigh on me; on the contrary, it's an extra push to improve, even if it requires sacrifices. I necessarily need to shorten the road season to prepare for cyclocross, but I believe these sacrifices are absolutely rewarded, especially because I can be ready for the spring classics.»

The newly conquered national jersey will certainly be an extra boost for the final World Cup events and the World Championships, where the games are still open. The opponents are truly formidable, but Stefano has already shown he can stand up to the greats. «I'm leaving Italy with a special jersey and the desire to do even better - he tells us right after stepping off the podium - and now I hope to bring my nation's colors to new heights.»