After the Giro del Veneto, which we had told you about talked about some time ago, here is a new stage race for juniors: the Emotion Trophy in Friuli Venezia Giulia. It's a two-day event for now, but in the meantime, here's a race that should be considered as a whole.
In Italy for many years there was practically only the Tour of LunigianaBut this was more "international than Italian", now something is moving. There are these two short stage races in the North East and we must not forget the Tour of Valdera, in Tuscany.
Two stages
The fifth edition of the Trofeo Emozione will be held on July 8-9. This event was well-known because the winner was given the opportunity to do a training camp with the Bahrain Victorious, Well, now it doubles.
"The idea of organizing this competition," explains owner Adolfo Sacchetto, "was born out of a passion for this sport and a desire to give kids an extra opportunity, a different kind of competition, even for those coming from outside. Ag2R and Nexo have given their support and other foreign teams could soon be joining."
The change to a two-day event also changes the route. The idea was to create two completely different stages: a "flat" one, ideal for the fastest and most powerful riders, and a climber's stage, which is essentially the classic "long" stage of the Trofeo Emozione with a mountain finish. Just like a true "micro Giro."
«In the program – continues Secchetto – we have included two stages with different characteristics, but united by a single goal: to give athletes and spectators an unforgettable weekend of excellent technical value.
«The first stage starts and finishes in Pordenone. It is a mostly flat route, but with eight dirt sections and countless lefts and rights. The longest straight section is no more than 7 kilometers. The next day, however, the now classic arrival in Piancavallo. The first stage is about 90 kilometers long, the second 113 but with a difference in altitude of 2.600 meters."
International caliber
There is certainly room for everyone and it could be a good test for the city too. Dino Salvoldi. It was enough to see how two boys brought to Roubaix, despite not having arrived among the first in France, won the cobblestone race the Sunday after. We are referring to Gabriele De Fabritiis e Thomas Capra.
But why did we choose a two-day event? This too is based on passion and the desire to provide a great opportunity for young people, but also to build an event that can grow over time. A benchmark.
«The decision to make Trofeo Emozione a stage race – Sacchetto goes on – it was made to multiply the spectacle. It's not just a sporting event, it's a philosophy driven by the heart. At this age, kids, even though we know they're increasingly pro in this category, still experience sport in a pure way. The sensations and emotions are still very genuine and tied to dreams."
«Not to mention that we're thinking of initiatives that revolve around cycling, training, promoting the local area, and raising awareness of important social issues. For example, we will set up a starting village and in this village there will be an area to promote the use of bicycles, especially dedicated to the younger ones."
Future projects
«Another of the objectives for 2023 is to create a permanent path that enhances the dirt roads of the Pordenone area, making it an itinerary of outstanding landscape and sporting value".
"Is there any idea of doing more stops in the future? Absolutely. In fact, I can say more. We had already thought of an event of five stages starting from Trento and arriving here in Friuli, also crossing the Veneto.But first Covid and then the war in Ukraine clipped our wings (less availability from some companies, ed.), but little by little we'll get there."
"I can say that we're currently finalizing a collaboration with a major brand in the sector. The idea needs to be seen beyond the short term, or at least not seen as a simple sponsorship."
