Alessandro Coden and his boys have returned home after the trip that took them to Spain to run the Volta Ciclista a Galicia. Astride the green hills overlooking the sea the riders of the Campana Imballaggi-Geo & Tex-Trentino they collected a stage victory with Leonardo VolpatoAfter 2.250 kilometers to bring the vehicles back to Italy, Coden is tired but happy: this experience is part of a larger context that foresees the constant growth of the team (in the opening photo Volta a Galicia).
«We left on Sunday at three in the afternoon – says Alessandro Coden – and arrived on Monday morning at eleven. Me in the flagship and the mechanic in the van, a long trip but we're happy with how it wentWe've also gotten used to this type of trip: it's not the first time outside Italy, but Spain was really far away. For example, for reasons of cost and transport, I took the masseur directly on site».
Why did you go all the way to Spain?
Because I like to give kids certain experiences. The Volta Ciclista a Galicia is a national stage race but there were high-level youth teams and also elite riders of great calibre. In Spain it's different because you can also find former professionals of 30 or 32 years old in these racesPeople who have raced and have a certain type of experience. While in Italy, stage races of this level mostly have athletes under 23.
Is it run differently?
Let's say there is no better or worse. All races are important, We came to Spain because in the group there are experienced riders who see the race in a different way.You learn a new way of experiencing the race: from kilometer zero you go full throttle, without holding back. Those who have the legs keep up the pace and win.
How did your kids behave?
Well, I'm happy with what I did. We also won a stage with Leonardo VolpatoFor many of them, this was their first experience abroad, so it was a necessary step for growth and maturation. The stages were challenging, but we were always in the thick of it. of the raceThe day Volpato won, the team held its own against everyone. We broke away, then we were present in the counterattack, and then we delivered the final thrust.
An experience that contributes to growth on all fronts?
From 2026 we want to have an even more challenging calendar with many races abroad. We will be 99 percent continental Greece and this is an important leap, but a necessary oneWe will keep the best athletes, like Volpato, and there will be interesting additions. The idea is to have about ten kids and make a competitive team..
Why are you taking this step?
We want to see if anything changes, the goal is to be more attractive in order to take on established athletes and expand the catchment areaThe company and its sponsors, including of course Campana Imballaggi, they decided to make some investments. We do not hide the fact that the financial commitment will be greater, we have already measured the temperature with the trip to Spain.
In what sense?
I'm talking about costs. In Galicia, we were hosted by the organization, and that helped us a lot. We paid for the plane tickets, gas, and everything else out of our own pockets. However, we are determined and confident, two new sponsors should also enter. So I'd say we're ready.
