The Gran Premio Valfontanabuona cyclocross race was presented for the second time yesterday, Wednesday, at the prestigious headquarters of the Senate of the Italian Republic. The best way to celebrate its return to the international calendar, which will guarantee qualified participation.

The appointment is therefore set for the proven Calvari circuit in San Colombano Certenoli on Sunday, December 20th. The race will be the final round of the Giro delle Regioni di Ciclocross organized by ASD Romano Scotti, headed by Romano Scotti, who has his headquarters in Rome. In organizing the Roman event, credit must once again be given to Senator Gianni Berrino and Honorable Matteo Rosso. The Gran Premio Valfontanabuona, beyond the commitment of Velo Val Fontanabuona led by Roberto Portunato, sees the involvement of the Liguria Region, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Chamber of Commerce, and the Municipality of San Colombano.

Not surprisingly, present were the Vice President of the Liguria Region Simona Ferro, Mayor Carla Casella, and regional councilors Giovanni Boitano, Sandro Garibaldi, and Giovanni Bottino, director of the Consorzio del Basilico Genovese DOP.

Unlike in the past, when the award ceremony took place on the eve of the race, the Senate presentation was the occasion to present the Fontanino Prize to Eva Lechner, an iconic cyclocross athlete, and the Adriano De Zan Prize to Luciana Rota, a talented journalist who is achieving great success with her latest book "My Coppi." In addition to the presentation of two artistic trophies created by iron sculptor Federico Molinaro, the winners received an ardesia plaque featuring the BasillK logo, the mascot of Ligurian cycling that promotes the basil of the Consorzio Basilico Genovese DOP, and two paintings by artist Angelo Gnecco. Lechner and Rota were honored by Ferro, a trio of women keeping the name of sport—and particularly cycling—held high. Also present, among others, representing the FCI was Simone Mannelli, and parliamentarian Roberto Traversi, who boasts an excellent background as a cyclist. Now all that remains is to await a great day of cyclocross in December at the Calvari circuit.