The road race of the 2021 UEC – European Championships in Trentino (September 8-12) is a big goal for Italian National Champion Sonny Colbrelli. “The relatively short distance will lead to an exciting race. My dream is to imitate Nizzolo: to win the European title after conquering the Italian stripes“

Sonny Colbrelli’s tone of voice is eloquent. On the second block of the season, the Italian rider aims for big goals such as the 2021 UEC Road European Championships to be held in the city of Trento, Trentino, Italy (September 8-12).
As usual, the Italian National Team line up with ambitions, hoping to extend the winning streak ignited by Matteo Trentin in Glasgow 2018, followed by Elia Viviani in Alkmaar 2019 and Giacomo Nizzolo in Plouay 2020.
The road race is circled on Colbrelli’s calendar, as he hopes to follow the steps of defending champion Giacomo Nizzolo, winner of the European crown last year after conquering the Italian title. “I race to chase Nizzolo’s journey, but it won’t be easy”, admits the Bahrain-Victorious athlete. – “I expect to see Giacomo on the starting line too, and he sure has the opportunity to defend the European title”.

Indeed, the Italian Team can rely on several options, but the 31-year-old from Brescia has proved quality and consistency in the first part of the season. “I’m satisfied with my performance at the Tour de France. I couldn’t win, but the Tour is the most important race in the world. I hope to achieve a prestigious win in the following races, starting with the European Champs in Trentino. Now, I face three weeks of training camp in Livigno before racing in Hamburg and Benelux Tour”.
EuroEyes Cyclassics Hamburg and Benelux Tour are two ideal races to prepare for the European Championships, with a route suited to classy and punchy fast finishers, rather than pure sprinters. “I like the route in Trento, it is suited to puncheurs like me, Nizzolo, Ballerini, Bettiol, Trentin”.

A key passage of the Elite Men’s race in Monte Bondone, the iconic mountain of Trento. “It’s a legendary climb to be respected. It could make a selection if a National Team without a fast man holds a fast pace. It’s challenging but not impossible. All in all, the relatively short mileage will contribute to an eventful race from the early kilometres. The route’s choice from the organizing committee promises a great show”.

In addition, achieving a great result in Trento may increase the Azzurri’s confidence in view of the UCI World Championships in Leuven (Belgium). “The European title is a significant achievement, to win it in a home edition would make it even more special. Coming into World Champs with the European crown or medal under the belt is important for two reasons: it would take off some pressure from our shoulders and give us the confidence to achieve any goal.”
A great show is expected on the European Championships courses. Five days of competitions and thirteen titles to be awarded (six for men, six for women, and the Team Relay) with the Elite Men’s Road race as the grand finale. The wonderful Piazza Duomo in Trento will host starts and finishes of the road races, whilst the 22,4 Km-time trials will take off from the MUSE – Sciences Museum in Trento, with the finish line located in Piazza Delle Donne Lavoratrici.

THE PROGRAM
Here is the program of the 2021 UEC Road European Championships, organized by Trento, Monte Bondone and Valle dei Laghi Tourist Board, in close collaboration with Trentino Marketing, the Municipality of Trento and Trento Eventi Sport.

Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
Junior Women Individual Time Trial – 22,4 km
Junior Men Individual Time Trial – 22,4 km
Team Relay (Men/Women Team Time Trial) – 44,8 km (2 laps of 22,4 km)

Thursday, September 9th, 2021
Elite Women Individual Time Trial – 22,4 km
U23 Women Individual Time Trial – 22,4 km
U23 Men Individual Time Trial – 22,4 km
Elite Men Individual Time Trial – 22,4 km

Friday, September 10th, 2021
Junior Men Road Race – 107,2 km
Junior Women Road Race – 67,6 km
U23 Women Road Race – 80,8 km

Saturday, September 11th, 2021
U23 Men Road Race – 133,6 km
Elite Women Road Race – 107,2 km

Sunday, September 12th, 2021
Elite Men Road Race – 179,2 km