Viris Vigevano confirms itself as a forge of talents

Pirro: “Never as this year, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the company, we aim to launch young people”

VIGEVANO

Seven runners, all Under 23 and with different technical characteristics; all ready to shine to find space in the world of amateur cycling: it is the Viris Vigevano 2022, the Viris that will celebrate its 75th anniversary in the summer since its foundation in 1947.

the team manager

Team manager Leonardo Pirro confirms: «Focusing on youngsters pays off, as happened last year with eight victories, 21 podiums and 74 top-ten finishes. Never as this year do we aim to throw young people and play some surprise cards with them ». For the 75th anniversary of Viris, a publication is being planned that collects photos and history and celebrates the several hundred victories scored in fifteen decades of active cycling. But it is from the seven athletes currently registered that the best results are expected. «A team is being set up – continues Pirro – motivated and made up of emerging unders under which diesse Stefano Martolini, attentive technician, loyal after years of militancy in our company, is confirmed with full marks. With him we are sure to do well and to be able to give space to our boys ». “The team has been redone for over fifty percent – says Martolini himself – with three confirmed unders that had already been highlighted last year: they are the twins Lorenzo and Francesco Galimberti, born in 2001. Francesco was sixth in the classic Tour of Lombardy. The third confirmation is Marco Rancilio, born in 2001, another security in the team ». And then the news, one above all, namely the inclusion in the team of two authentic promises: the former Italian junior champion Samuele Rubino arriving from Lan Service and the pure sprinter Elia Menegale, born in 1999, already fourth and fifth in the classic Coppa San Geo respectively in 2020 and 2021. Viris will then make use of the contribution of Mattia Oppici, also arriving from Lan Service and Emanuele Albini from Team GB Junior. «At the moment – confirms Martolini – we have seven athletes and a single formation always focused on a single race, athletes no longer spread over different contemporary racing venues. We do not foresee any retreats, but training sessions at a distance and on the road. Our competitive debut is already set for the San Geo Cup, in Brescia, on February 26th ».

Finally, the sponsors that Leonardo Pirro thanks: «It is thanks to them that our adventure continues after 75 years of sweat and victories. They are Officine Omet, Cosma, Estom and Elettrica 311. Our bicycles, as in the past, will be from the historic Gerciotti ». –

PAOLO CALVI