The day after tomorrow at the Ghisallo Museum, as part of the twentieth anniversary celebrations, the 28th edition of the International Vincenzo Torriani Award will take place, the customary event that honors "those who love cycling and make it live" in memory of the historic patron of the Giro d'Italia. Among the numerous participants and award recipients, there will be one fully justified absence: Martina Fidanza, winner of the "Olympic Spirit" recognition awarded in collaboration with CONI Lombardy. The track champion with a quick sprint on the road, daughter of a cycling family (his father is Giovanni Fidanza, her sister is Arianna Fidanza), an athlete of the Fiamme Oro and about to leave Visma Lease a Bike to transfer to the French Professional team St.Michel Preference Home Auber93, will indeed be flying to China on Friday 9th, where next week she'll compete in the Track World Championships in Shanghai.

For this reason, the award was presented to her in advance in Via Piranesi in Milan, in the offices of CONI Lombardy, in the presence of Gianni Torriani, son of the great Vincenzo and organizer of the event, the president of CONI Lombardy Marco Riva, the vice president of CONI Lombardy (and newly elected president of FIP Lombardy) Enrico Ragnolini, the Vice President of the CONI Lombardy School of Sport Claudio Pedrazzini, the provincial delegate of Milan of CONI Lombardy (Olympic athlete in winter sports) Claudia Giordani, the president of the Lombardy Committee of the Italian Cycling Federation Stefano Pedrinazzi, our director Pier Augusto Stagi… and Martina's boyfriend-colleague, track cyclist Stefano Moro.

Below is the VIDEO of the award presentation and then the statements made on the sidelines:

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Martina Fidanza: «I'm flying to China with one more reason to honor the Italian jersey and the track world championship, an important award that I'm honored to receive».

Marco Riva: «This award recalls a figure of inspiration for what he did and represented in the world of cycling, as an Olympic movement we wanted to do our part on such an important occasion to spread his message. And for the Olympic Spirit award, what better athlete than Martina? A unique champion who comes from a wonderful cycling family, 4-time European and world champion, an example for boys and girls who approach sport and cycling, a jewel in the crown for the Lombardy and national movement. In presenting it to you, I thank you for what you have given and will be able to give in the coming years!»

Gianni Torriani: «For me and for us it's a pleasure to present the Olympic Spirit award to a cyclist of such caliber, a standard-bearer of the values that my father always demonstrated in his professional life through his adventures as an organizer».

Stefano Pedrinazzi: «Martina is a source of pride for Lombardy and beyond, and also for me personally since I was in the barracks with her dad. She brings us honor with her results, an authentic point of reference».