The weekend of the European BMX Cup at the Olympic Arena in Verona closed with encouraging signs, where the National team led by Head Coach Mattia Furlan fielded a very young squad composed of five athletes: two in the Boys 15-16 category and three juniors.

On the first day of competition, the best result came from the youngest riders, with Matteo Mariani securing second place in the Boys 15-16 category, effectively replicating the top two positions from the world championships in his category and finishing behind the world champion. Also just off the podium was William Gaule, fourth after a convincing performance.

Among the juniors competing were Marco Del Tongo, Matteo Ferrari and Alex Chiandetti. Ferrari stopped at the quarterfinals with a fifth place finish in his heat, while Del Tongo was forced to withdraw due to cramps after showing excellent form in the early runs. Chiandetti's performance was more unfortunate, sidelined by an injury during the quarterfinals while in a strong position.

On the second day Mariani confirmed his status among the protagonists, reaching the final again after dominating the qualifying heats. Only a slight delay at the start in the final prevented him from reaching the podium again, finishing in fourth place. Gaule had a difficult day, crashing in the quarterfinals, though without sustaining significant injuries.

Among the juniors, Ferrari improved on his first day result by reaching a semifinal, while Del Tongo bounced back from the physical issue he experienced the previous day and managed to secure a spot in the final. Chiandetti was unable to participate in the decisive rounds due to the injury sustained the day before.

The Italian team also benefited from the presence of federation leadership, with president Cordiano Dagnoni, general secretary Marcello Tolu and Team Performance manager Diego Bragato present trackside to closely follow the European circuit competition.

"It was a truly very positive day," commented Head Coach Furlan. "Mariani confirmed his place in the final by winning practically every heat, then only a slight delay at the start prevented him from reaching the podium today as well. Ferrari improved on yesterday's result by reaching the semifinal and Del Tongo, after the physical issue on the first day, reacted very well by making it to the final. I really want to thank the leadership for their presence here in Verona, it was a very important signal for the entire group. Thanks also to all the staff, who worked impeccably during these days. The season has started on the right foot: the Italian jersey was at the front for many heats and for much of the racing. From here we move forward to build what, for us, should be an important season".

Satisfaction also came from president Dagnoni: "Seeing so many young Italians competing at this level is a source of great pride. The Verona track continues to prove itself as a world-class facility for international BMX and the event organization was impeccable. Congratulations to the Verona BMX team and all the volunteers who made such an important event possible. For us it is essential to see our young riders compete in contexts of this caliber: the work that coaches and clubs are carrying out is showing results and represents a very positive signal for the future of the sport".

The Verona weekend confirmed the international value of the facility and provided positive indications for the growth path of the Italian squad, which opened the European season by standing out multiple times in various stages of competition.