There's something extraordinary about the energy you breathe when an entire country comes together for something great. It happened again in Curtatone, on a Sunday of sun and emotions, during the fourth edition of the Battle Grand Prix: not just a cycling race, but an act of love for one's land, one's roots and the values that hold us together.
On the streets that 176 years ago were the scene of a historic Risorgimento battle, today we run so as not to forget. Young athletes riding their bicycles crossed Montanara and its countryside with the determination of those who dream big, followed by hundreds of citizens who, along the way, applauded and encouraged. An atmosphere of celebration, passion and participation.
Behind every curve and every intersection, there was the commitment of an entire community: AS Curtatone, organizer of the event, the Municipality, the Diffused Museum of the Risorgimento, the Lombardy Region, the Province of Mantua, CONI and many, many volunteers. But above all, there were them, the citizens, the real protagonists, who made every moment alive and authentic, demonstrating how much a sport can become an integral part of the identity of a territory.
To ensure that everything took place in complete safety, with professionalism and dedication, there were the seven officers of the Local Police Corps, present all along the way. A silent but fundamental work, made up of attention, presence and spirit of service. They followed every phase of the event: from drafting the acts, to road management, to the temporary closure of the roads. Because making an event like this possible means first of all protecting people and allowing everyone to experience it with peace of mind.
The race — part of the prestigious “Prestigio d'Oro Alè” circuit, now in its 30th edition — has reached a new milestone: it has become an international event. At the start, 194 athletes, 34 teams, including 5 foreign teams (Mexico, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Monte Carlo and Ukraine), brought a very high technical level and an unforgettable sporting spectacle to the streets of Curtatone.
The winner was Thomas Gamba, ahead of Lorenzo Magli and Davide Boscaro. But beyond the podium, what triumphed was the beauty of participation, the value of memory and the collective desire to feel part of something bigger.
During the award ceremony, in the presence of Mayor Carlo Bottani and Vice Federico Longhi, a special plaque was presented to the Ukrainian team, making their debut in an Italian competition: a simple gesture, but full of meaning. To remind us that sport can unite even when the world divides.
The Battle Grand Prix is this: a race that crosses time, generations, emotions. An event that is a living memory, civil commitment and citizen pride. A concrete example of how a sporting event can become a symbol of community, of cohesion, of shared beauty.
Because in Curtatone, every year, we run to remember, to build, to feel part of a story that continues.