The appointment has been repeated for 32 years on the last day of the year. The entrepreneur Enzo Cussigh, a life dedicated to cycling, meets all cyclists in Castelmonte, the sanctuary above Cividale most loved by Friulians and an obligatory destination for cycle tourists. And the magic, in any weather condition, is repeated every year.
Also on Wednesday 31st around fifty runners arrived in Castelmonte. The usual Cussigh led the rally. «It’s a traditional event, every year there are more of us and this confirms how cycling in Friuli is an institution like the Castelmonte climb. Best wishes to everyone for a happy 2026, naturally by bike.”
The group could count on around fifty cyclists. Photo Petrussi
The riders from his team could not be missing, but also many amateurs and non-amateurs. Because there was also the former pro and now athletic trainer of the Astana gold team Claudio Cucinotta or Luca Braidot, the king of mountain biking from Gorizia who already has the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics in his sights. “Until then I will run” – he said – in the meantime let’s enjoy this nice meeting.”
Unmissable group photo and final surprise. Two yellow, red and blue Lidl Trek jerseys appear in the large square invaded by cyclists. They are the Milan brothers. Matteo, the youngest, will race in the pros with Groupama and as per the regulations until the last day of the year he must wear the colors of his old team the Lisa Trek under 23, from tomorrow 1 January he will wear those of the French team, and then Jonathan, one of the world cycling stars.
Middle in Braidot. Photo Peter’s
They are engaged in a long 5 hour workoutin January the green jersey of the last Tour de France, where he won two stages on his debut, will have his second pre-season training camp and then in a month or so there will be the first sprints in Arabia. He enjoys the sun of Castelmonte and the applause of the cycling people. His presence is not to be taken for granted. «But I always come willingly, it’s a nice meeting organized by a friend like Enzo”between one selfie and another the resolutions for the 2026 season: «First the classics in the north and then the Tour of Italy. I will return to the Giro with the aim of wearing the first pink jersey in Bulgaria. Then there will be many opportunities for the sprinters along the road and the start of the penultimate stage will be in Gemona. It’s not stuff for sprinters but it’s among my people in the memory of the earthquake 50 years ago. A great reason to be there for me.”
Jonathan Milan and, shortly after, his brother Matteo. Photo Petrussi
Then everyone goes home. Not even the cold stopped the cyclists in Castelmonte. In the traditional way to end the year and start another one well in the name of cycling.
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