Netherlands calling Italy: “Trentino 2020” shows promise

13/08/2019

The 2020 Road Cycling European Championships, to be held in Trento (Trentino, Italy) from September 9th to 13th 2020, were presented in Alkmaar with UCI President David Lappartient as special guest

Netherlands calling Italy: European road cycling titles are a two-way business these days. The most successful Nations at the UEC Road European Championships ending today in Alkmaar (Netherlands) with the Elite Men’s race, are also those that are contributing to the growing success of this annual event. Yesterday, Saturday August 10th, in Alkmaar, the “Trentino 2020” committee presented to the press and the international delegations the next edition, to be held in Trento (Trentino, Italy) from September 9th to 13th 2020, with 13 titles up for grabs among road races and time trials, men and women.

“It is an honor for our city and province – told Trento’s sports assessor Tiziano Uez. “Cycling is the sport of Trentino’s people, represented by many champions including the new Under 23 road champion, Letizia Paternoster. Our passion will be felt by all the participants and fans who will come to Trentino next year.”

Guest of honor of the presentation was UCI President David Lappartient, former President of the European Cycling Union. “Trento will be an awesome setting for the event, growing in visibility time after time – told Lappartient. “All the riders aim for this jersey; the names of the recent winners stand to show its prestige. If Europe is stronger, then cycling is stronger, with Italy in the front line: just please, Davide Cassani, leave something to other nations too…”

The Italian National Team Coach, joined by new Under 23 European Champion Alberto Dainese, replied to Lappartient with a smile: “I hope next year our rider will be as brilliant and successful as this year in Holland. Curiously, Dainese has grown as a rider in a Dutch team – there must really be a feeling between these two Countries.”

The expectations of the cycling environment for the upcoming event in Italy could be clearly perceived. “It’s a beautiful opportunity – told UEC President Rocco Cattaneo – to live this event in one of the most sportive city and regions in Italy. I am happy to have President Lappartient on my side, as he was the one who contributed to the growth of the European Championships. We are sure that Trentino 2020 will be another major success.”

Part of a busy season featuring the Olympic Games and the World Championships, “Trentino 2020” opted for a specific strategy, charting less demanding routes – suited to puncheurs and sprinters – to offer an opportunity to those riders who will be ruled out of contention from the other major events, characterized by very challenging profiles.

“I think the OC made the right choices – told Davide Cassani. “Shorter time trials means giving a greater opportunity to youngsters, and encourage them to focus on the discipline: Evenepoel must be my favorite. The road race course is beautiful too: the first in-line stint (only for the Elite Men) is fairly challenging, also featuring the Monte Bondone, and then the final circuit will make the race interesting with the not-so-tough Povo climb. Sagan, Van der Poel and Trentin will be on call on the day. We are up for some great days in a land that loves cycling and loves to ride.“

Today, right before the final awarding ceremony, Assessor Tiziano Uez receives the baton from Alkmaar in view of the 2020 edition. Thirteen months to go, but the adventure is already on.