The Last ‘Direttore’: mauro Vegni Retires After Shaping Decades of the Giro d’Italia

Milan, Italy – After a distinguished career spanning decades, Mauro Vegni will present the route for the 2026 Giro d’Italia on Monday, marking his final act as race organizer. The 66-year-old’s retirement in February will conclude an era defined by passionate defense of the Giro and Italian cycling.

While perhaps less known internationally,Vegni is a legendary figure within Italy,celebrated for his dedication and hands-on approach to race association. He personally oversaw the design of next year’s race, promising a challenging course packed with both sprint opportunities and demanding mountain stages.

Vegni is considered by many to be the last of a dying breed – the ‘direttore’ who coudl manage all facets of a major cycling race, from logistics and finances to sponsor relations. Unlike modern race organizations that distribute responsibilities among numerous executives, Vegni capably handled it all, viewing the Giro not merely as a buisness, but as a festivity of the sport itself.

“I think I gave a lot to the Giro d’Italia and to cycling, but I also got a lot back,” Vegni told Cyclingnews in an exclusive final interview. “I’ll leave RCS Sport and cycling with no real regrets, knowing that I always tried to do my best for the good of cycling.”

Throughout his tenure,Vegni was known for his unwavering commitment to the race,often seen personally addressing challenges – from rider strikes and inclement weather to disputes with the UCI. He wasn’t afraid to voice his opinions, always prioritizing the integrity of the Giro.

“Everyone has seen what I’ve achieved; some people might say I did a good job, others might say that I didn’t do a good job. But I know what I did, and I don’t care what other people think. I was the director of the Giro and did it with all my heart. I gave my life to the Giro; that says it all.”

Vegni plans to spend his retirement with family, particularly his young grandson, and away from the demanding schedule of race organization. RCS Sport will distribute his responsibilities among its team, and Vegni expressed hope that his staff will continue to build upon his legacy.

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What impact might Vegni’s emphasis on challenging routes have had on rider participation and race strategy?

Mauro Vegni Announces Retirement Following the 2026 Giro d’Italia Route Presentation

The cycling world was stunned today as Mauro Vegni, the long-serving Race Director of the Giro d’Italia, announced his retirement, effective instantly after the 2026 edition. The announcement came during the presentation of the 2026 Giro route in Milan, a moment intended to celebrate the future of the Corsa Rosa instead becoming a poignant farewell to a pivotal figure in Italian cycling. This marks the end of an era for the Giro,with Vegni having shaped the race for over two decades.

A Career Defined by Innovation and Challenge

Vegni’s tenure as Race Director, beginning in 2011, has been characterized by a commitment to showcasing Italy’s diverse landscapes and a willingness to push the boundaries of what a Grand Tour can be. He consistently sought out challenging climbs, incorporated sterrati (gravel sectors), and brought the Giro to previously unexplored regions.

* Early Career: Vegni’s involvement with the Giro began long before his appointment as Race Director, working in various organizational roles for RCS Sport.

* Key Route Innovations: He’s credited with popularizing the inclusion of gravel stages, moast notably in 2018, and consistently prioritizing challenging mountain stages.

* Focus on Italian heritage: Vegni consistently emphasized routes that highlighted Italy’s cultural and historical landmarks, integrating them into the race narrative.

His routes weren’t always universally praised – some criticized the inclusion of overly arduous stages or logistical challenges – but they consistently generated excitement and debate within the cycling community. The 2026 route, unveiled today, continues this trend, featuring a demanding mountain stage in the Dolomites and a challenging individual time trial. This final route selection, ironically, served as a backdrop for his emotional announcement.

The 2026 Giro d’Italia Route: Vegni’s Swan Song

The 2026 Giro route, presented alongside Vegni’s retirement news, is a testament to his vision. While details are still emerging, key highlights include:

* Grand Départ: The race will begin with an individual time trial in Rome, a symbolic start in the nation’s capital.

* Mountain Stages: Several grueling mountain stages are planned in the Alps and Dolomites, promising fierce battles for the maglia rosa. expect climbs like the Stelvio Pass and Monte bondone to feature prominently.

* Gravel Sectors: True to form, Vegni has included at least two stages with significant gravel sections, adding an element of unpredictability.

* Northern Italian Focus: The latter stages of the race will concentrate on northern Italy, offering a mix of challenging climbs and fast, flat stages.

This route is designed to test all aspects of a rider’s ability – climbing,time trialing,and adaptability to varied terrain. It’s a fitting challenge for Vegni’s final Giro.

The Impact on the Giro d’Italia and Italian Cycling

Vegni’s departure leaves a significant void in the leadership of the Giro d’Italia. His deep understanding of Italian cycling, his meticulous planning, and his passion for the race will be difficult to replace.

* Succession Planning: RCS Sport has yet to announce a successor. Speculation is rife, with several experienced race organizers being considered.

* Maintaining Vegni’s Legacy: The new Race Director will face the challenge of maintaining Vegni’s commitment to innovation while also addressing concerns about race safety and logistical complexity.

* The Future of the Corsa Rosa: The Giro d’Italia’s continued success relies on attracting top riders and maintaining its reputation as one of the most challenging and beautiful Grand Tours in the world.

Vegni’s Influence on Race Association – Lessons Learned

Vegni’s approach to race organization offers valuable insights for other Grand Tours and cycling events.

1. Embrace Challenging Terrain: Don’t shy away from difficult climbs or unconventional surfaces. These elements add excitement and test the limits of the riders.
2. Showcase Local Culture: Integrate the race into the local culture and landscape. This enhances the experience for both riders and spectators.
3. Prioritize Rider safety: While challenging routes are critically important, rider safety must always be the top priority. Thorough route reconnaissance and careful planning are essential.
4. Adapt to Changing Trends: The cycling world is constantly evolving. Race organizers must be willing to adapt to new technologies, rider preferences, and safety concerns.

Notable Giro d’Italia Moments Under Vegni’s direction

Throughout his tenure, vegni oversaw numerous memorable moments in Giro d’Italia history:

* Vincenzo Nibali’s 2016 Victory: A dominant performance by the Italian champion, showcasing his all-around abilities.

* Tom Dumoulin’s 2017 Time Trial Triumph: A stunning display of time trialing prowess, securing Dumoulin’s overall victory.

* chris Froome’s Dramatic 2018 Battle: A thrilling contest between Froome and Miguel Ángel López, culminating in a nail-biting finish.

* Tao Geoghegan Hart’s 2020 Upset: A surprise victory

Asylum Decisions Halted Following National Guard Shooting

Washington D.C. – In a swift response to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C., the Trump management has temporarily halted all decisions regarding migrants seeking asylum in the United States. The move,announced Friday evening,comes after the alleged shooter,identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal – an Afghan national granted asylum earlier this year – opened fire.

Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow stated via X (formerly Twitter), “USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The safety of the American people always comes first.”

A subsequent notice distributed to asylum officers, obtained by CBS News, explicitly instructs personnel to refrain from entering “any decision facts for affirmative cases.” this pause impacts individuals applying for asylum directly with USCIS, separate from those facing deportation proceedings and adjudicated by immigration judges.

The decision affects a notable backlog, with over 1 million asylum applications currently awaiting review as of 2024, according to a Department of Homeland Security office of Inspector General report. The administration’s action underscores heightened security concerns following the incident and signals a potential shift in asylum processing protocols.

further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds and the administration clarifies the duration and scope of the decision halt.

How does the Trump Administration justify the suspension of asylum decisions?

Trump Administration Suspends All Asylum Decisions following National Guard Shooting in Washington, D.C.

Immediate Halt to Asylum Claims

In a dramatic escalation of border security measures,the trump Administration has announced an immediate suspension of all asylum decisions following a controversial shooting involving the National Guard in Washington,D.C.The incident, which occurred late yesterday near the Capitol building, involved National Guard troops responding to what officials described as a “breach of security” by a group attempting to reach the White House. Details remain scarce, but reports indicate several individuals were injured, prompting widespread protests and calls for investigation.

This suspension impacts all pending and new asylum applications, effectively halting the process for individuals seeking refuge in the United States. The administration cites national security concerns and the need to reassess protocols considering the escalating tensions as justification for the decision. This move is expected to face notable legal challenges from immigration advocates and human rights organizations.

Details of the National Guard Incident

While the official investigation is ongoing, initial reports suggest the following:

* A group of approximately 50-75 individuals attempted to bypass security barriers near the White House perimeter.

* National Guard troops deployed to maintain order reportedly fired upon the group after allegedly receiving threats and witnessing attempts to scale the barriers.

* The identities of those injured and the extent of their injuries are currently unknown.

* The Department of Justice has launched a full investigation into the incident, including a review of the National guard’s rules of engagement.

* Protests erupted almost immediately following the shooting, with demonstrators gathering outside the White House and the Department of Justice headquarters.

The incident has fueled existing debates surrounding border security, immigration policy, and the use of military force within the united States.

Impact on Asylum Seekers & Legal Challenges

The suspension of asylum decisions will have a profound impact on thousands of individuals currently awaiting adjudication of their claims. Many are already facing dire circumstances in border towns and detention centers.

* Immediate Halt: no new asylum interviews will be scheduled, and existing cases will be put on indefinite hold.

* Increased Backlog: the already significant backlog of asylum cases is expected to grow exponentially.

* Legal Action: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other legal organizations have already announced their intention to file lawsuits challenging the legality of the suspension. They argue the move violates both U.S.and international law regarding the right to seek asylum.

* Due Process Concerns: critics argue the suspension denies due process to asylum seekers and possibly puts vulnerable individuals at risk.

Past Context: Previous Asylum Policy Changes

This is not the first time the Trump Administration has significantly altered U.S. asylum policy. Previous actions include:

1. “Remain in Mexico” Policy (Migrant Protection Protocols): Required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were processed.
2. Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Guatemala,Honduras,and El Salvador: Allowed the U.S. to send asylum seekers to these countries.
3. Restrictions Based on Transit Through Third Countries: Limited asylum eligibility for those who passed through other countries before reaching the U.S. border.
4. Increased Scrutiny of Credible Fear Claims: Made it more difficult for asylum seekers to demonstrate a credible fear of persecution.

These policies have consistently faced legal challenges and have been criticized for undermining the refugee protection system.

The Role of China and Rare Earth Elements (Indirectly Related)

while seemingly unrelated, the recent geopolitical tensions with China, specifically concerning rare earth elements, are influencing the administration’s overall approach to national security. As reported by jeuxvideo.com (https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2036007/donald-trump-pris-a-son-propre-jeu-la-chine-a-trouve-le-point-faible-du-monde-entier-et-compte-bien-l-utiliser.htm), the U.S. dependence on China for these critical materials is viewed as a vulnerability. This broader focus on securing U.S. interests and controlling access to resources may be contributing to the administration’s increasingly restrictive immigration policies and heightened security measures. The administration views strong borders as a key component of national security, potentially linking the two issues in their strategic thinking.

Resources for Asylum Seekers and Advocates

* ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/

* Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/

* Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC): https://www.ilrc.org/

* National Immigration Law Center (NILC): [https://www.nilc.org/](https://www.nilc