Youth categories are the beating heart of our cycling, perhaps the most silent part, but certainly where the athletes of the future take their first steps. Yesterday, the curtain rose on the 2026 season of U.C Costa Masnaga, a true excellence of the Lecco province and Lombardy. Every year, dozens of girls, boys, young women, and men pursue the dream of becoming professional athletes, but above all, of having fun while pedaling. Many riders who have made their mark have passed through this youth team, such as Silvia Valsecchi (Italian and European champion) and the current Italian road champion Filippo Conca.

In 2026, UC Costa Masnaga celebrates 74 years of activity, an important milestone made possible by many cycling enthusiasts who year after year have contributed to the growth of the youngest cyclists. Today, the Lecco-based team can count on a road section and an off-road section, with categories ranging from G0 to juniors, involving numerous families and athletes. "74 years is a significant milestone because many young people who passed through here have continued their dream and become professionals like Filippo Conca. We are a big family and a school that tries to educate young people in the values of sport, where personal growth comes before results. Ours is often a silent work, but we put a lot of heart into it, thanks to the Federation that supports us step by step, the municipality of Costamasnaga that gifted us the cycling track, and all the sports directors who put their soul into this project," said President Egidio Mainetti, also clarifying the seasonal objectives. The project is to continue improving and especially to make history by winning the seventh youth meeting, last year in Viareggio they had come very close but had to settle for second place.

During the afternoon presentation, numerous sponsors, the mayor of Costa Masnaga Sabina Panzeri, and representatives of the Italian Cycling Federation offered their greetings. "As a regional committee, we cannot help but support this vibrant local reality. It is one of the organizations that gives us the most satisfaction, especially in the youth road sector. Congratulations for everything you do. Many of those who were simply kids having fun have become athletes. Not everyone succeeded, but all have become adults with responsibilities. In this age group, there are not just coaches, but life teachers who work hard to form the citizens of the future," said Stefano Pedrinazzi, president of the Lombard Cycling Committee, accompanied by Alessandro Bonacina, president of the Lecco provincial committee. Both presidents expressed their satisfaction and support for a group that contributes to nurturing young talents every year.

After the institutional moment, numerous boys and girls paraded on stage, from the youngest of just 5 years old to the second-year juniors ready to face their last year with U.C Costamasnaga. They are all local athletes, young people who, with their families, cultivate a big dream - some already thinking about becoming professionals, others just wanting to have fun.

U.C Costamasnaga represents an excellence not only in terms of an athlete team but also as a race organizer. In the Lecco area, the group led by Egidio Mainetti promotes cycling in the territory and is committed to organizing various events such as the first stage of the Lecco Province Criterium scheduled for April 11th, and the youth regional event planned for July, an unmissable appointment that will attract over 400 athletes. Additionally, in September, the second edition of an off-road race, a discipline that is gaining more and more interest among young people.