Greetings, hugs and a firm shared conviction: that of a human bond that has been created and will not be broken. Nineteen-year-old student Charlie Dockendorf has returned to the United States after a week spent in Italy at Aspiratori Otelli Alchem, sharing various moments, also in the saddle, while getting to know athletes, coaches and managers and discovering the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Italian landscape.

"In Italy" - his words - "I spent a fantastic week. I had the opportunity to watch three races with Aspiratori Otelli and I also had many chances to speak Italian. I really enjoyed exploring the mountains and going to different places to swim. I had never seen a cycling race at a velodrome (he followed the 3 Sere di Crema at the "Pierino Baffi", editor's note), so it was really interesting to see it. I also discovered how popular cycling is in Europe. There are very few youth teams in the United States, so it was interesting to discover that in Italy there are so many athletes and teams who are truly passionate".

He then adds: "Aspiratori Otelli was very kind to host me. Giorgio, Laura, Simone and all the guys were very nice and taught me so much about cycling in Italy. I had the opportunity to ride with them and they go incredibly fast. My dream would be to see one of them someday at the Tour de France". Italy can only rhyme with food. "Delicious. The pasta was fantastic, as was the cappuccino".

"The guys" - says Laura Otelli - "had a great experience, they told me how Charlie's presence stimulated in them the desire to speak English and learn it. They "threw themselves into it", made some linguistic mistakes but communication still worked out fine".