Today we set off on another trip to Italy for the European Road Championships, which are taking place in Maniago. Ivo will be racing in Maniago and its surroundings for perhaps the hundredth time. Together with Oestende in Belgium, this is the most frequent racing destination where Paralympic cyclists race. Ivo is ready to fight as hard as he can and not give anyone a single meter for free in the race. The races take place in the foothills of the mountains in beautiful nature. Nearby is the famous Piancavallo hill, where the Giro finish was, but also Lago di Barcis, a turquoise mountain lake in the middle of an impressive landscape. In 1976, there was a deadly earthquake in the entire region of Friuli, which killed 990 people, injured 3,000 and forced 157,000 people to leave their destroyed homes. This earthquake became an example of human solidarity, thanks to which the entire region was restored and the inhabitants were gradually able to return to their homes. I am proud to be able to race in the middle of this region again and in my own way honor the proud locals by participating in the European Championship road races, even though I now specialize in track disciplines. Anyone who likes beautiful and untouched landscapes, where beauty mixes with history, should not miss a visit to this jewel of the land.