Udine city of the handbike welcomes the stage of the Giro: “A challenge won by everyone”

Mirko Testa and Katia Aere from Friuli triumphed in the competition. Deputy Mayor Michelini: it was a pride to host this event

UDINE. There are those who experienced it as a challenge. Against the physical limits. Without seeing them, however, as obstacles in reaching one’s goals, but as starting points for true awareness. On the other hand, there are those who have approached the handbike to share the passion of their father or wife. Who wanted to leave after an accident. Who thus fights against the disease.

Behind each of the participants in the fourth stage of the Giro Handbike 2022 – about eighty, from all over Italy and Slovenia – there is a story, a personal challenge, there are objectives to be achieved. Udine welcomed the athletes in Piazza Primo Maggio where the start and finish were scheduled, in an atmosphere of great celebration and enthusiasm.

The fourth stage was won by Mirko Testa from Bergamo alone (in an hour, 9 minutes and 14 seconds). For women, Katia Aere, originally from Spilimbergo, triumphed (in an hour 11 minutes and 53 seconds). “It was nice to compete in my Friuli – said the bronze athlete at the Tokyo Paralympics – the warmth of the people present, give me hope for the next international adventures”.

Also present in the Friulian capital is Rino De Candido, head of the Italian Paralympic National Team who has once again chosen to see the athletes competing. “I already knew them but it’s always a good opportunity to talk to them – he said -. For me they are athletes in all respects and therefore they must know how to train, prepare, take care of nutrition, have a trainer to carry out targeted workouts. Now we are preparing for the world championship in Canada from 1 to 16 August and then the national team is now defined but there will be the insertions of young boys to make the whole movement grow in the perspective of Paris 2024. I really hope this happens, of course there it should be a change of mentality because the whole sector needs greater visibility ».

Fabio Pennella, president of Solutions & Events Organization (Seo) is satisfied at the end of the day. «Udine answered our call – he commented at the end of the awards ceremony – and we were happy with the welcome and organization that was reserved for us. Surely this is the first step and in the future we hope to be able to return to this beautiful city because there is potential and the athletes, trying the circuit, have confirmed it ».

The deputy mayor of Udine Loris Michelini was also present at the start. «We are proud to have hosted this very important event – he said – also at an international level. I thank all the participants and organizers who offered us to host this fourth stage. I know that you have worked hard and well and for the Municipality of Udine it is really a reason for satisfaction to welcome all the athletes ». It ended successfully, therefore, also strongly desired by Antonio Falcone, councilor for sport of the Municipality of Udine who had described the athletes – yesterday engaged in a 4-kilometer circuit to be covered in an hour plus a lap – “They are an example of physical and mental strength, determination and that spirit of sacrifice which is the true meaning of sport”.