On the occasion of World Animal Day, celebrated this Saturday, October 4, and except for those that have involuntarily become protagonists on camera by giving the odd scare to a rider, the ‘four-legged friends’—often dogs—have been a sweet and cheerful companion for the Corsa Rosa caravan and their ‘families’, some of the best cyclists in the world.

During 2025, thanks to her numerous appearances in races at Tirreno Adriatico and the Giro d’Italia itself, Trufa, a dachshund owned by Juan Ayuso and his partner Laura, ended up donning the Maglia Azzurra of the ‘Race of the Two Seas’ and inspiring the Spaniard in his efforts in May. Another big name who has been accompanied in recent years by his canine fan is Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers), whose dog Mia has been present during the rise of the ‘Giant of Verbania’ as one of the greatest time trialists of all time.

The winner of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, Simon Yates (Visma | Lease a Bike), has a poodle named Tinker, with whom he has posed countless times. And, of course, his brother Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) also enjoys company on the roads with Zoe, a Samoyed. Returning to the ‘bees’, another famous owner in Visma | Lease a Bike is the 2024 Vuelta winner Sepp Kuss, whose dog Bimba accompanied him all the way to Madrid. Also in 2019 we witnessed Dario Cataldo celebrating with his dogs as he won a stage of the 2019 Corsa Rosa in Como.

The list of famous names continues with Tom Pidcock (Q36.5), who has appeared in road and mountain bike races with two dachshunds, Chestnut and Acorn; the 2023 Tour winner, Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ), whose dog Flo became known around the world following her on the bike; and Bella, the furry dog that chases Floortje Mackaij (Movistar Team) in so many races.