The elite men's race came at the end of an emotion-packed day, with 6 Italian titles awarded, and the final challenge truly ignited the crowd. On the Icrea park track in Brugherio, Filippo Fontana made a strong statement and had virtually secured his third elite Italian title by the second lap.

It was a race led from the front, with no weakness, only an advantage that grew increasingly larger and opponents gradually raising the white flag. "I knew the course quite well, having had the chance to test it yesterday and this morning at lunchtime in extremely difficult conditions, but fortunately when we raced, the sun came out and the track had dried significantly. The key was in the very technical and even dangerous points. I tried to use them to my advantage, and as soon as I noticed a gap could be created, I pushed forward. I hadn't planned an attack, but I knew that if an opportunity arose, I had to seize it." Filippo told us, his voice filled with emotion and the awareness of having put the cherry on top of a difficult but very special season. The dedication is for many special people, for the team, for his family, and for the many people who supported him throughout the journey, running from one place to another and then toasting with him after the finish line.

The support along the entire course was immense, with children, young people, and people of all ages applauding Filippo's small feat as he reclaimed the national jersey after two years. "I particularly cared about this national title. It's been a long season where I invested a lot in this discipline, and I believe a great recognition has now arrived. The last lap was special; I had a substantial lead and finally had the chance to relax a bit, to realize what was happening and, most importantly, to enjoy the moment," Filippo tells us, as a crowd forms around us, ready to assault him with photos and autographs, showering him with compliments. "Seeing so many people on the course surprised and filled me with joy. Unfortunately, in Italy, cyclocross has always had little space, both in media and among the public. This year, Italian riders have been truly strong in all categories, both male and female, especially among the young, where we are recognized as the strongest athletes, and this truly fills me with pride. Certainly, in Belgium, it's a completely different story because it's the national sport, but here too, there are those who love it, follow it, and decide to invest in this type of race."

Now, Filippo will have a week of rest before dedicating himself to his major seasonal goal: being at the World Championship in the best possible form.