Cycling Sport Promotions, the organisers of the Trofeo Alfredo Binda – Italy’s round of the women’s Road World Cup – has been commended by the Italian Ministry of Equal Opportunities. The race has been contested since 1974 but the 2010 race will be the 12th consecutive race since 1999 when it returned after a two-year break. It has been part of the season-long World Cup competition since 2008, when it was won by Great Britain’s Emma Pooley.
Dutch champion Marianne Vos beat Swede Emma Johansson in a 2-up sprint in 2009, marking the beginning of a battle for the competition that saw them exchange the leader’s jersey many times during the season; the World Cup was eventually won by Vos.
Cycling Sport Promotions President Mario Minervino received a letter by fax this week, in which the ministry granted its patronage to the event.
“Dear Mr Minervino,” said the letter.
“The Minister, Mara Carfagna, would like to confirm through me, the patronage of the Minister for Equal Opportunities, his deep appreciation to you and everyone that has helped establish the Women’s UCI World Cup, “12th Trofeo Alfredo Binda Commune di Cittiglio” scheduled for March 28th. I express my best wishes for the success of the event; I take this opportunity to send you cordial greetings on behalf of the Minister.
Secretary of the Ministry for Equal Opportunities
Simonetta Matone”
The race takes place in the village of Cittiglio in the province of Varese (venue of the 2008 World Championships) in the Lombardia region of Italy. Cittiglio is most notable for being the birthplace of Italian cycling legend, three-time World champion and five-time Giro d’Italia winner Alfredo Binda – who gives the race its name. The village also has a museum dedicated to its most famous son.