There is a young man from Ciociaria who this year is living the dream of millions of cycling enthusiasts. His name is Lorenzo Germani, he was born in 2002 in Sora, grew up in Roccasecca and on July 4th he departed from Barcelona as one of the twelve Italians in the 2026 edition of the Tour de France. A milestone that represents the culmination of years of sacrifice, but also the starting point of a career that promises much more.

At the Grande Boucle he wears the jersey of Groupama-FDJ United, the most French team in the group, sharing this adventure with French national champion Romain Grégoire. An experience that, for a young Italian, has an even more special flavor.

«There is truly so much emotion - Germani said at the start - The Tour de France is the race that every child dreams of watching and, one day, of riding. Being here with this jersey is something that seemed very distant just a few years ago. I will try to enjoy every moment, but above all to do my job in the best way possible».

The call-up came just days before the official announcement. A wait lived with hope, until the communication that changed his season. «It was a great satisfaction. I consider it the reward for all the work done in recent years».

After so many stages and so much effort, the enthusiasm has not diminished. Quite the opposite. If as a spectator the Tour appears immense, experiencing it from the inside means discovering an even greater dimension. «I expected it to be chaotic and beautiful, but living it from within is something else entirely. Everything is multiplied by ten compared to any other race».

What impressed him most is the public. Thousands of people crowded along every kilometer, especially on the big climbs, transforming each stage into a unique spectacle. «Racing for a French team you feel this warmth even more. With Romain Grégoire every morning, during the team presentation, there is a real ovation. It's something very special and I'm proud to share this experience with the French national champion».

His role within Groupama-FDJ is well defined. Germani is one of the men called upon to work for his teammates, especially on the most demanding days. «I must help the team in the decisive moments of the race. My priority always remains the team's result».

A domestique mentality, built over the years. After all, it is precisely this role in which the young rider from Lazio feels he can express himself best. «I started cycling at about nine years old together with my father, almost as a game. Then I became more and more passionate about it. Today I consider myself a fairly versatile rider, but in recent years I've carved out a role as a domestique where I can give my best. That's why I'm here too».

The road to professionalism was not easy. Growing up as a cyclist in Ciociaria, where the cycling tradition is not as strong as in other regions, required an important choice. «I was born in Sora and grew up in Roccasecca. At a certain point in my career I decided to move to Tuscany, where I grew tremendously from a cycling perspective».

Like many riders of his generation, Germani grew up admiring the champions who marked an era. «Peter Sagan and Vincenzo Nibali were my references. I followed them with enthusiasm and they were the ones who made me fall even more in love with this sport».

Now the present is called Tour de France. Today the arrival in Paris to complete the most important race in the world with the awareness of having learned something every day.

And if the Tour represents the dream of every cyclist, in Lorenzo Germani's drawer there is one that is still entirely Italian. «Even though today I'm at the Tour de France, the dream I've carried with me since childhood is to win a stage at the Giro d'Italia».

First, however, there is Paris to conquer. It would be the best way to close the first chapter of an adventure that the young man from Roccasecca will hardly forget.