Elisa Bianchi Crowned European Champion in the Junior Mixed Relay
An important international achievement for Team Biesse Carrera Zambelli. Elisa Bianchi, the Brescia-born rider born in 2008, claimed the gold medal at the European Road Cycling Championships in Slovenia, contributing to the Italian national team’s victory in the Junior Team Time Trial Mixed Relay.
The result comes just days after her fifth-place finish in the Junior Women’s road race, confirming the rider’s excellent form.
European Gold for Elisa Bianchi with the Italian National Team
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Elisa Bianchi stood on the top step of the European podium alongside her Italian national teammates in the Junior Mixed Team Time Trial Relay.
The race covered a total distance of 44 kilometres, with three male and three female riders competing in two separate legs.
Elisa was part of the women’s trio alongside Azzurra Ballan, who had already won the Junior Women’s road race, and Matilde Rossignoli.
The relay began with the men’s trio of Enrico Andrea Balliana, Brandon Fedrizzi and Patrik Pezzo Rosola, who completed the opening leg with the fastest time.
The three Italian women then took over, managing the second leg before increasing the pace in the final section.
A Victory Built on Determination
The Italian national team completed the 44-kilometre course in 1 hour, 7 minutes and 22 seconds, securing the gold medal ahead of Poland, second at 23 seconds, and Switzerland, third at 30 seconds.
The race was not without its challenges.
Elisa Bianchi experienced a mechanical issue with her gears, preventing her from using the highest gear on the most demanding section of the climb.
Her teammates Matilde Rossignoli and Azzurra Ballan continued, delivering a decisive acceleration that secured victory for the Italian team.
A collective performance that earned Italy the European title in the Junior Mixed Relay.
A European Championship to Remember for Elisa Bianchi
The gold medal crowned an outstanding European Championship campaign for Elisa Bianchi.
After finishing fifth in the Junior Women’s road race, the Team Biesse Carrera Zambelli rider concluded her continental campaign with the European title in the mixed relay.
Two remarkable results achieved while representing the Italian national team, confirming her continued development on the international junior cycling scene.
Maria Acuti in the Junior Women's Time Trial
Team Biesse Carrera Zambelli’s European Championship campaign also included Maria Acuti, a rider from Mantua born in 2008, scheduled to compete in the Junior Women’s individual time trial on Wednesday, October 7.
Maria was scheduled to start at 9:50 a.m., while fellow Italian rider Linda Rapporti was due to start at 9:38 a.m.
Another international appearance for the team, whose riders continue to represent Italy at the highest level of junior cycling.
