Urbano Cairo, President of RCS MediaGroup: “We are proud to have brought the Business Forum to Il Festival dello Sport in Trento for the third consecutive year. The presence of so many stakeholders confirms the importance of discussing how the strength of a major sporting event can work hand in hand with the country brand and with the infrastructure that remains after the race. Routes, services and mobility improvements do not fulfil their purpose only during the days of competition: over time, they increase the accessibility and attractiveness of the places they pass through. The Giro d’Italia generates an impact worth €2.1 billion in the territories that host it, but by travelling across the country, it also brings an Italy made up of local products, businesses and outstanding supply chains to screens around the world through the media. The visibility a territory gains during the event, in fact, translates not only into value for the tourism sector, but also into greater interest in what that territory produces. This is where the Corsa Rosa intersects with a broader theme such as Made in Italy”.

Matteo Zoppas, President of the ICE Agency: “The bike economy has now become a rapidly expanding economic, social and productive ecosystem, definitively moving beyond the old perception of cycling as simply a hobby or a passing trend. We are not talking only about the sale of Made in Italy bicycles, but about an entire supply chain capable of generating real value for the country. In recent years, combined with cycling tourism, the bicycle has established itself as an environmentally friendly and efficient means of transport for rediscovering territories: every pedal stroke thus becomes a unique opportunity to promote the environment, explore hidden villages and experience landscapes from a new perspective, from a natural, artistic and food-and-wine point of view. Our partnership with RCS MediaGroup, now in its fourth edition, was created precisely to support companies in their internationalisation efforts through the involvement of the overseas network of Agenzia ICE, turning major sporting events into concrete business opportunities. Through formats designed to showcase production districts — such as ‘Giro Express’ — and dedicated Business Forums, we are implementing an integrated promotional strategy. This initiative highlights the sports industry within the broader ‘diplomazia della crescita’ strategy, aimed at using major events, athletes and sporting successes as a driving force to promote Made in Italy excellence, exports, tourism and technological innovation abroad. The results confirm the value of this approach: in 2025, the entire Made in Italy bicycle supply chain generated €805.5 million in exports, up 6% compared with 2024. This positive trend continued in the first half of 2026, with €459 million in exports, a further 6.9% increase compared with the first six months of the previous year. Germany (€148 million) and France (€122 million) remain the main export markets, accounting for 18.3% and 15.1% respectively, followed by Spain with €69 million (8.5%). Together, these three countries account for as much as 42% of the sector’s total exports”.

Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events: “The Giro d’Italia represents an extraordinary opportunity to promote the bike economy and tourism, given the significant economic impact it is capable of generating. It is also an event of great importance for our Made in Italy brand. We have seen this clearly with the Grande Partenze held abroad: we have heard first-hand accounts from those who have experienced them and understood the significant impact the Giro can have on the economies of host countries, as well as on our exports and our ability to reach international markets. I believe, however, that the most important aspect of the Giro d’Italia, and the one that is most strongly felt as the race passes through cities, is the growth of what we might call the ‘GDP of happiness’. The Corsa Rosa is truly a celebration of Italy, an opportunity to showcase our country in the most authentic way and to discover its beauty through its people and its regions. More than 400 municipalities along the route, over 10 million people lining the roads: an audience witnessing a major sporting event, because the Giro is, first and foremost, an extraordinary sporting competition, but it is also, above all, a great celebration for the people”.

Vassil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia: “Hosting the Giro d’Italia Grand Départ was a landmark moment for Sofia and Bulgaria. More than 250,000 people took to the streets of Sofia, while over 25,000 cyclists took part in the mass rides. At the same time, around 800 million people worldwide followed the Giro, giving Bulgaria an extraordinary opportunity to showcase its energy, openness and spirit to a global audience. The value of an event like this goes far beyond the days of the race: it attracts visitors, creates opportunities for local businesses and strengthens Sofia’s visibility as a destination for tourism, investment and international events. Above all, the Giro demonstrated what we can achieve when institutions, businesses, organisers, volunteers and citizens work together. We have created strong momentum, and now we have the opportunity to build on it further”.

Maurizio Rossini, CEO of Trentino Marketing: “Races come to an end, but what they build must remain. The infrastructure developed in Val di Fiemme for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games gives us a clear commitment: to keep it alive every day, put it at the service of the territory and continue hosting major international competitions. This means strengthening Trentino’s tourism offering and providing our young people with world-class facilities where they can discover sport, train and grow. The same vision guides our relationship with major cycling events such as the Giro d’Italia and, looking ahead, the 2031 UCI Cycling World Championships. Their value lies in their ability to generate services, expertise and new opportunities connected with cycling, delivering lasting benefits for local communities. Turning this potential into a tangible legacy requires clear, shared objectives and a territory capable of moving forward in a cohesive way”.

Andrea Mauri, CEO of Cantù Arena: “The development of a new venue represents a tangible and lasting legacy for the territory in which it is located. Thanks to its multifunctional nature — designed to host sport, entertainment and business events — Cantù Arena will be the perfect stage for national and international events, becoming a landmark for the entire community while generating a reputational return for the city and a concrete direct and indirect economic and social impact over time”.