Udinese Calcio’s home ground has once again played a central role in promoting the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The Mortegliano-Sappada stage of the Giro d’Italia was presented today in the auditorium of Bluenergy Stadium. A prestigious event for all residents of Friuli, who were today joined by a special guest: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani.
“This marvellous stadium that has welcomed us today is the Bernabeu of the northeast of Italy. I’d like to thank Udinese for having us here. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. A great team with a long history deserves to be in the top-flight,” said the politician.
“Bluenergy Stadium hosts many events. It is a modern stadium that has become a meeting point for many people, even for cycling and football. The Giro d’Italia is a symbol of Italy and I’m delighted to have presented it to my colleagues in Capri. Sport acts as a perfect ambassador for the beauty of our country and experiences that are not familiar to everyone. Our mountains and our villages are beautiful, and they deserved to be visited.
“I have made the Giro d’Italia an ambassador for our country around the world because in these difficult times, sport is a messenger of peace. Sport should be something positive that unites people together in respecting a set of rules. We must ensure that a little bit of this peace reaches Palestine and Ukraine, because we need to send a message of reassurance.
“Cycling brings out man’s strength of will, that desire to overcome self-doubt and the obstacles ahead, while respecting the rules. We must spread these positive values in society, teaching them to our children and grandchildren.”
Udinese Managing Director Franco Collavino gave the Minister a personalised football jersey to thank him and the organising committee for involving the club’s grounds in the Giro d’Italia.
“For us, Bluenergy Stadium is a home to all sportspeople and a source of pride for the whole country,” said Collavino. “The commitment the organising committee makes every year to ensure the stage is even better than before is commendable and adds value to our region and to cycling.
“As a Friulian, I’d like to remember Enzo Cainero, who left his mark on sport lovers, cycling and our region. He proved that with passion, tenacity, and courage great things can be organised and Friuli can be at the centre of this.”
“Every day we strive to be leaders in the sporting world and for the businesses that see sport as a vehicle for community growth. We work hard to make Bluenergy Stadium a meeting place and a welcoming place for people and events. Good luck to the committee. It’ll be a fantastic stage.”
The president of the stage committee, Paolo Urbani, expressed his delight at the praise and attention given to the start and finish locations. “It will be exactly ten months since disaster struck Mortegliano, and we wish them the best in getting back on their feet. 24 May also marks the day that the Piave whispered [when Italy joined WW1], a date dear to the heart of many Italians. There will be lots of fun to be had.”