(Adnkronos) – The Italian Regions Cup taking place from March to October shows how institutions, organisers and local areas can boost business and add value to cycling as a national sporting and cultural asset, foreign minister Antonio Tajani said Wednesday.
“The 2026 Italian Regions Cup confirms cycling as a tool for promoting our country, one that can unite sport, the economy, local areas and international vision,” Tajani said at a presentation of the upcoming races.
The professional cycling series of one-day and stage races – 31 for men and 10 for women are being held in various regions and primarily highlight Italian talent and teamwork
The event also plays a key role in promoting sports tourism and local areas, through “a unified narrative of regional excellence, villages, production districts and Italian landscapes,” Tajani said, according to a foreign ministry statement.
The government is committed to supporting initiatives that reinforce such an integrated approach, Tajani underlined.
“The bicycle industry remains a strategic sector for Italian manufacturing, characterised by its expertise, innovation and focus on sustainability,” said the statement.
Exports of Italian bicycles and components have hit 759 million euros out of around 4.7 billion euros of sporting goods exports in value terms, according to the statement.
“The government’s growth diplomacy strategy, further strengthened by recent foreign ministry reforms, recognises cycling as a strategic asset for the national economy and Italy’s positioning internationally,” the statement said.
