Athletes approach Christmas differently - some take a break from training, while others continue their established routine. Filippo Conca, crowned Italian road race champion, belongs to the group that does not put training on hold.
"I always train during Christmas; it's a special tradition," Conca said. "In the morning, I go for a bike ride and cycle around the lake for about three hours. It's wonderful because there's no one else out. There's no traffic, and it's also a perfect opportunity to truly enjoy the place where I live."
The quiet roads around Lake Como allow Conca to train undisturbed before the holiday festivities truly begin. Once the ride is over, Conca returns home and joins his family on the Lecco side of the lake. "Maybe I'll skip the first part of lunch and eat a bit lighter, but I certainly can't give up the joint celebration."
Looking ahead to 2026, the ambition of Conca, who rides for the Australian team Team Jayco AlUla, is clear. He hopes to be competitive and support the team, but his biggest goal is very precisely defined - a stage win at the Giro d'Italia while wearing the tricolor champion's jersey.
Italian champion revealed their Christmas routine
