CARDANO IN THE FIELD – With the tenth “Memorial Laura Prati” the 2024 edition of the Tour of Varesotto (followed in all its stages, from Busto’s overture to Cardano’s grand finale, from M24) with surprises on arrival but without shocks in the rankings. The pink vest of the final men’s ranking remained firmly on the shoulders of Andrea Soffientinicapable of hitting the record of seven successes, thus overtaking Marco Brambilla and reaching the timeless Claudia Gelsomino at the absolute top. But the impression is that for the “cannibal” it is not over yet. In the women’s competition, however, she established herself Francesca Manfredi Malnatiat the first personal seal. Almost 1000 participants to the last stage (well managed by Ciclistica Cardanese), including the stainless steel Giulio Dorigo who at 88 years old still provides sports lessons. Already looking to 2025 with the event organized by Atletica Casorate of president Antonio Puricelli which promises fireworks on the occasion of the twenty-fifth edition.
Memorial Prati: Mugnusso and Durante
The last test of the 2024 Giro has a particular meaning: the “Memorial Laura Prati“, now in its tenth edition, is dedicated to the former mayor of Cardanese who was barbarously killed in the performance of her duties and always remembered with due contemplation. Returning to the purely sporting aspect of the match held on Friday evening, there was no shortage of surprises: in the men’s competition he won Riccardo Mugnusso in 14’53”, two seconds better than Roberto Giacomotti and seventeen than Andrea Soffientini who therefore saw the en plein of victories in the Giro disappear. Similar discussion for the feminine with Francesca Durante first in 17’27”, followed by Federica Cozzi at 6” and the pink jersey Francesca Manfredi Malnati at 28”. Perfectly organized race, with a small scene a few minutes from the start when the inflatable that marks the start and finish deflated.
The general ranking
In pink continuously since first to last stage. In the men’s general classification the dominator is always Andrea Soffientini who improves his statistics year after year and finishes the six rounds of the Giro in 1:32’53”, followed not too far by Marco Gattoni (1’13”) and Federico Pisani (2’55”). The Dinamo Running standard bearer has worn the rose continuously since 2016. First award, at the first attempt, for Francesca Manfredi Malnati which in total clocks in at 1:50’27”. Claudia Gelsomino completes the podium (at 1’14”) and Marta Dani, 5’05” behind her, but able to count the return of Francesca Pierà who nibbles away 20 seconds in the stage, however not enough to get on the third step of the podium .
The other rankings
He leads the non-competitive men’s ranking Kostia Rossi (1:56’09”) preceding Antonio Morelli and Domenico Marella; in the female one she has the upper hand Sofia Granato (2:18’08”), Lorena Strozzi second and Cristina Cozzi third.
The category rankings go to: Mainini Matteo (AM), Vanessa Covizzi (SF), Marta Latino (SF35), Marta Pierà (SF40), Federica Azzimonti (SF45), Mara Minato (SF50), Sabrina Gussoni (SF55), Daniela Farina (SF60), Luisa Maria Lima Bonaventura (SF65), Ornella Bondioni (SF70), Roberto Patuzzo (SM), Matteo Bernardini (SM35), Simone Toffano (SM40), Fabio Palmieri (SM45), Maurizio Piantanida (SM50), Marco Brambilla (SM55), Francesco Cutecchia (SM60), Francesco Mazzilli (SM65), Piero Zanetti (SM70), Ennio Villa (SM75), Luigi Pellegrini (SM80).
To this LINK the complete rankings.
The M24 photo gallery
