Sport Project VCO has written a prestigious page in its sporting history by achieving an extraordinary third place in the European Cross Country Club Cup for Under-20s, held in Albufeira, Portugal. This is a result of absolute international value for the sports club, which shows the Mapei Sport Research Centre logo on its 2026 jersey, achieved at the end of a high-level competition that saw the best European clubs in the discipline take part.

The Under-20s, who undergo regular physical tests at our sports medical centre, took to the podium behind the very strong Playas Castellón (Spain) and Sporting C.P. (Portugal), confirming their place among the elite of European youth athletics.
The protagonists of this achievement were Christian Piana, Christian Suini, Stefano Perardi and Stefano Pazzinetti, who put in a solid and mature team performance. At the individual level, Stefano Pazzinetti stood out in 10th place, followed by Stefano Perardi in 14th, Christian Piana in 18th and Christian Suini in 22nd, placings that allowed the club to win a bronze medal of enormous significance.

This result rewards the daily work of athletes, coaches and clubs, and sends a strong message to the entire movement: Sport Project VCO is capable of competing at the highest European levels, promoting young talent and bringing the Verbano Cusio Ossola region to the most prestigious stages of international athletics. This European podium is not just a medal, but confirmation of an ambitious sports project, built with competence, vision and passion. It is a success shared with those who, in various ways, support the club and accompany its growth: sponsors, institutions and partners who believe in sport as a tool for excellence and identity.

All eyes are now on the next big event of the season: on 22 February, in Marinella di Selinunte (TP), at the Italian Cross Country Championships, where Sport Project VCO will compete with the pride and responsibility of reigning Italian champions.