The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, today met cycling champions on the occasion of the event “On the roads of Coppi and Bartali: professional cycling 2026”, held to present the 2026 Coppa Italia delle Regioni. The initiative is promoted by the Professional Cycling League, in collaboration with the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces.
During the meeting, Minister Tajani underlined how the Coppa Italia delle Regioni represents a virtuous system model, capable of connecting institutions, territories, organisers and local communities, while enhancing cycling as a national sporting and cultural asset. The event also plays a significant role in promoting sports tourism and regional territories through a unified narrative of regional excellence, historic villages, production districts and Italian landscapes.
The bicycle value chain is further confirmed as a strategic sector of Made in Italy, characterised by strong manufacturing capabilities, innovation and a focus on sustainability. Italian exports of bicycles and components amount to EUR 759 million, within a total export value of sporting goods of approximately EUR 4.7 billion. The Growth Diplomacy strategy, further strengthened by the reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, recognises cycling as a strategic asset for the national economy and for the international positioning of the Italian system.
“The 2026 Coppa Italia delle Regioni confirms cycling as a tool for enhancing the Italian system, capable of bringing together sport, the economy, territories and an international vision,” Minister Tajani concluded, reiterating the Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen this integrated approach.
