There is an air of great satisfaction in the Italian camp for the silver medal won by the men's team pursuit quartet: a prestigious result, a fine step taken to begin in the best possible way the journey leading to Los Angeles 2028.

The first to speak is Jonathan Milan: «The objective has been achieved, even though when you race you always aim for the top step of the podium. We have a lot to work on, but this is a good starting point. We knew we had to measure ourselves against the Danes who have once again proven to be the strongest, but we go home with a fine second place and with the awareness of what we need to do to continue improving».

Alongside him is the group's debutant, namely Alessio Magagnotti: «On the eve of this trip I certainly didn't expect to reach the final, especially because we trained less than other nations, given that we are all road cyclists. I think that in this tournament we did our best and we applaud Denmark who was clearly much stronger».

Finally, here is the analysis from coach Dino Salvoldi: «It is a fair result that does justice to the strongest of the entire tournament, it is their fourth consecutive title and that alone is enough to explain many things. We arrive at these events from a very different path than that of our competitors, we need to improve but this is a great starting point. If they had asked me beforehand, I would have signed for silver without thinking twice. I would say that thinking about the Olympics we have started on the right foot, but I'm already thinking about 2027 to improve and where we need to work».

And further: «It is much more difficult for us to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season and qualify for the Olympics than to prepare for a single event, which is why I say it would be wrong to take the gap with Denmark - which today was 5 seconds - as a point of reference. Here we have earned important points with an eye toward Los Angeles, we know that the path is long and difficult. Magagnotti? We need to innovate and bring in new talent, thinking about the future. Specifically, I say that Alessio hasn't even reached the best of his potential, which I know very well, so he can certainly do even better. As for the other guys who have done well at youth level, we must be good at putting them in a position to become great».