Giulio Ciccone seeks redemption after disappointing World Championship finish

Italian cyclist Giulio Ciccone expressed disappointment following a ninth-place finish at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal. Despite being in contention for a medal on the Mont Royal course, Ciccone noted that a lack of cooperation from chasing riders, including Mathieu van der Poel and Mads Pedersen, prevented him from closing the gap on winner Brandon McNulty.

Fellow Italian rider Giulio Pellizzari also faced a setback at the championships, dropping out of the race early. Pellizzari, who had prepared specifically for the event by skipping the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, admitted he was not at the required level. Both riders are now looking toward the upcoming European Cycling Championships in Ljubljana to redeem their performances.