At 8 o'clock on Sunday morning under the municipal portico, the typical Piedmontese "ala", Jacopo Mosca participates in the meeting of sports directors ahead of the youth race. Don't worry, it's not a back-to-back, we're in Osasco, the hometown of the Lidl Trek professional, who left Andorra on Thursday because he absolutely didn't want to miss the appointment with the Giornata Azzurra.

"With four races today starting from the youngest category, I find myself on roads I've been training on since childhood. I'd leave home and find a route as safe as possible. This morning I took advantage of it for a bike ride before the gathering," says the cyclist about to start the Tour of Poland.

At 10:15, still under the portico, the family picture comes together. She's arrived, Elisa, Jacopo's wife, and awaited by her ambitious participation in the Tour.

"This year the calendar allowed me to come here, where I passed through on the occasion of the stage I won in Saluzzo. And besides, today the Longo Borghini surname definitely appears in the entry lists... It's always thrilling to follow my nephews and nieces," says the Queen of Italian cycling.

We find her, complete with a signaling flag, on the seat of Jacopo's scooter, who knows every shortcut. And fully involved in the races in the race, organized together with dad Valter and the organizational role of Gsr Alpina. While there's a small break before the gravel program finale (Women youth and youngest), Mosca offers a juicy preview: "In 2027 a youth team from the Pinerolo area will be set up, making the most of the beautiful collaboration with Sc Piossasco. There's enthusiasm, I've put myself at the service of the initiative and I hope it can bear good fruit. Guaranteeing continuity to youth activity between ages 6 and 12 is very important, hoping to involve sponsors. And new young riders".

By the way, in the youngest category, the smallest of the Longo Borghini dynasty appeared, Pietro, son of Paolo and wearing a race number present in Osasco, like Marta (Anna already junior) and Cristian. Nice, right?

Photo credit Dario Costantino/Eco del Chisone