Dario Cataldo is not in his skin: “It’s a dream come true.”

Great enthusiasm for the veteran two-wheeled pedal-powered rider

Dario Cataldo commented with great enthusiasm at the presentation of the Grand Departure of the Giro 2023 on the decision of the organizers of the Pink Race to have it start from his region, Abruzzo.

“I am elated at the idea of the Grand Departure of the Giro in Abruzzo,” said Cataldo, who was present at the Renzo Piano Auditorium in L’Aquila, Italy, “and honored to be here today and represent cycling in our region. It’s a dream come true, especially the prologue on the Costa dei Trabocchi.”

“I remember well,” added the 37-year-old from Lanciano, winner of a stage at the Giro in 2019, “that when the project of the bike path was born and I saw the first tracks, I imagined the beauty of a Giro d’Italia passing by on the route. It looked perfect. A route that was unknown to most and that, thanks to the bike path, has gained more and more notoriety. Now, with the Grande Partenza, it will be discovered to the world. The reality has surpassed my imagination: not just a stage but a world event. A Giro that will honor Abruzzo and its beauty. And then, from a sporting point of view, there will still be fun to be had.”