It comes as no surprise that Luca Raggio has a special eye for the small contenders in the mini-sprints at the Chiavari finish line, a few hours before the Giro arrives. We would say it's a statutory duty, given his role as (very young) president of the Ligurian regional committee, yet in the commitment of the 31-year-old former professional towards promotional activities there is something more.

Was it a deliberate choice to put yourself at the service of the movement at the end of your career?

"Yes, when I founded Team Più Sport I was thinking precisely about the importance of transferring my experience to those approaching our sport. I've always been interested in the preparation factor and it was a natural consequence to create an association, starting with very young riders and beginners".

But wait: are we talking to Luca Raggio, winner of the Fausto Coppi?

"Indeed yes, it was 2022 and I still competed in gran fondos, to get some cycling satisfaction and to support the Più Sport project which was in its early stages".

What does Val Fontababuona mean for Ligurian cycling?

"It's a space of recognized activism, also with cyclocross and then as an ideal reference point for training. When the coast becomes too congested with traffic, you head up to our area, not far from the roads where the Chiavari stage will pass".

What kind of stage will it be?

"I think that after the long time trial there are conditions for a breakaway from far back that makes it home (or to the harbor, as they say), certainly to witness a thrilling finale. Short climbs of about a quarter hour's ascent, typically Ligurian, with a route layout that further enlivens the race situation".

Who knows, maybe Raccagni Noviero, a true Chiavari native, will be there too.

"He deserves compliments for how he's interpreted the Giro so far, also making the most of his recent transformation into a more complete cyclist, starting from his role as trusted lieutenant for Paul Magnier".

Will Colla dei Sciolli mark the start of hostilities?

"First of all, the general classification riders won't be able to be caught unprepared. There are climbs already before, but it's that climb that's the point where the stage could explode. There will still be 28 kilometers to the scenic finish line, but in between there's also the 306-meter elevation gain between the Cogorno junction and the Redbull km, with a steep section at 15% and anyway averaging 6.7%".

As president, what's the state of health of Ligurian cycling?

"It's very good that we have the example of Finn and also Raccagni Noviero, as well as the dynamism of places like Chiavari, already demonstrated with events of the caliber of Appennino and Lunigiana, which set the stage for the Giro. With dynamics in the number of practitioners similar to those of other regions, in every province we try to guarantee a homogeneous calendar and in the spirit of continuity, especially among the youngest. If this year we are able as Più Sport to cover three fronts, from the very young up to the Juniors, collaboration between clubs becomes crucial to guarantee the range of categories".

What effect does a personal immersion in the environment you frequented until your professional career have?

"I see friends again, in the peloton and also among those working in the sport. I live well with my dimension as a former rider, enjoying the day in all its nuances".

And Thursday?

"From Coreglia, the small town of 250 souls where I live, I'll go to work in Rezzoaglio, where I'm the director of the post office. I've also been a postman, but not on a bike, I want to make that clear".