The 2026 UEC Para-Cycling Road European Championships came to a close today in Maniago (Italy). Over three days, 272 athletes from 29 countries competed in events that were both spectacular and technically demanding.
Italy finished the competition at the top of the medals table with 10 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze medals, ahead of France in second place with 9 gold, 10 silver and 3 bronze medals, and the Netherlands in third place with 8 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze medals.
France and the Netherlands once again confirmed their status as leading forces in European Para-Cycling, whilst Switzerland also distinguished itself with some remarkable performances.
In front of their home crowd, the Italian national team achieved outstanding results thanks to a combination of promising young talent and athletes already established at international level.
Among the standout stories of these European Championships were those of Mattia Salvalaggio, who won the European C4 Time Trial title in his first European Championships wearing the Italian jersey, and Andrea Biancalani, who, on his debut in the competition, took gold in the C4 road race. Claudia Cretti’s victory in the C5 Road race is also noteworthy.
Among the established athletes, particular mention must be made of Fabrizio Cornegliani (H1), Roberta Amadeo (H2) and Giorgio Farroni (T1), who dominated their respective categories by winning both European jerseys, in the Time Trial and the Road race, thereby consolidating their status as leading figures on the continental stage.
Among the young talents who distinguished themselves at this event, France’s Louis Hubert deserves a special mention. At just 19 years of age, this rider achieved a prestigious double by winning both the Time Trial and the Road race in the C3 category.
Also worthy of note are the performances of Slovenian Anej Doplihar, winner of the H3 road race, and French rider Anaïs Vincent, one of the competition’s standout performers with three European titles won in the H3 time trial, the H3 road race and the Team Relay.
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: “The 2026 Para-Road Championships provided a fantastic showcase for our sport, confirming the high technical standard of European athletes and the steady growth of Para-Para-Cycling on our continent. The 272 participants from 29 countries delivered three days of thrilling and spectacular racing, producing performances of the highest quality and embodying the true values of sport.
Maniago and Montereale Valcellina have once again proven themselves to be a reliable choice for hosting major international cycling events. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Cellina Bike and SC Fontanafredda, who, through their professionalism, experience and passion, made a decisive contribution to the success of this event. A big thank you also goes to the Municipalities of Maniago and Montereale Valcellina for their support and hospitality, as well as to their communities, who welcomed the athletes, support staff, team officials and race officials with warmth and enthusiasm, making the whole of Europe feel at home.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the many volunteers who, through their commitment and dedication, ensured the smooth running of the event in every respect. Their contribution was invaluable and perfectly embodies the spirit that drives European cycling.
We leave Friuli-Venezia Giulia with memories of thrilling sporting moments, the passion of the local community, and the certainty that Para-Cycling remains an extraordinary example of inclusion, excellence and shared experience.”
