The twelfth stage Imperia-Novi Ligure of the 109th Giro d'Italia was preceded by a new edition of "A Tour Within the Tour", an initiative of amateur cycling rides dedicated to clients and cycling enthusiasts, organized by Banca Mediolanum along the route of the pink race. In 2026, Banca Mediolanum renews, for the 24th consecutive year, its support for the Giro d'Italia as the official sponsor of the King of the Mountains Award, confirming its bond with the Blue Jersey and with one of the most followed and participated sporting events in the country. "A Tour Within the Tour" offers participants the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the race up close, anticipating the passage of the professionals and pedaling along the stage route.

NOVI LIGURE, THE STAGE OF VISION

In this twelfth stage of 2026, alongside the participants pedaled Alessandro Ballan, Paolo Bettini, Maurizio Fondriest and Dalia Muccioli, protagonists of some of the most significant pages in the history of Italian cycling, along a route that connects Ovada to Novi Ligure, a city symbolic of popular cycling and home to legends such as Fausto Coppi and Costante Girardengo. Novi Ligure, home to the Museum of Champions, becomes the beating heart of the inclusive cycling ride of "A Tour Within the Tour", a moment that celebrates open and shared participation, making cycling a sport for everyone. In this city, cycling returns to its most authentic vision, welcoming everyone along a road that becomes a symbol of inclusion and community.

Making the inclusive value of the initiative even more significant was the participation of Fabrizio Macchi, among the most important interpreters of Italian para-cycling, bronze medalist at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games and a symbol of resilience and determination through sport. His presence at the second edition of the inclusive cycling ride reinforced the message of openness and participation that animates "A Tour Within the Tour".

The initiative was organized by the Family Banker Office of Novi Ligure, a place of value and custodian of relationships, where listening and trust have always represented the principles at the base of Banca Mediolanum's consulting model. Over the last 24 years, this bond has translated into an increasingly widespread presence on the territory: Banca Mediolanum has grown in Piedmont, where today it has 35 Family Banker Offices, 334 consultants and over 97 thousand clients (Data source: Banca Mediolanum Business Intelligence office as of 30/04/2026). A growth that is not only numerical, but an expression of a relationship built over time founded on being a community. The finish was celebrated in Novi Ligure, on the same line that will soon see the sprint of the professionals, at the end of a mostly flat route.

"TOWARDS AUTONOMY" THE MEDIOLANUM FOUNDATION PROJECT FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

In 2026 Mediolanum Foundation renews its commitment to minors by supporting "Towards Autonomy", the new fundraising initiative of the year. The project was created to guarantee 152 minors on the autism spectrum and their families a complete, coherent and continuous growth path, in collaboration with three reference organizations: Anffas Nazionale ETS APS, Renato Piatti Foundation and Angsa APS ETS. "Towards Autonomy" is aimed at children and young people with neurodevelopmental disorders, with the objective of accompanying them in the growth of communicative, relational and personal skills, promoting the achievement of the widest possible degree of self-determination.

The project includes educational, laboratory and experiential activities, aimed at increasing self-management skills and basic autonomy, together with dedicated support for families, to assist them in daily management and reduce their emotional burden. This year too Mediolanum Foundation will double the first 60,000 euros collected, contributing to expanding the impact of the initiative. The Giro d'Italia will be an opportunity to raise awareness among the public throughout the national territory, bringing the message of the project to people and promoting a culture of inclusion and autonomy. To learn more: www.fondazionemediolanum.it.