Memorial Marco Pantani 2026: Pellizzari and Lipowitz Lead the Challenge in Cesenatico

A race that smells of legendThe Memorial Marco Pantani returns to the calendar on Saturday September 12, 2026 in Italy, with the procontinental category enriching an event that the Italian cycling movement has learned to love. The race, which celebrates the memory of the Pirate, is now a classic of the late season: an important test for anyone who wants to make a mark before the final sprint of the year.As tradition dictates, the route winds through the roads that saw Pantani grow up, with a circuit that insiders know well: short but insidious climbs, attacks to be faced at full speed and a finish that lends itself to long-range moves. Ideal terrain for resistant climbers and classics riders with a strong base.The expected protagonists at the startThe startlist, with 42 verified riders, offers an interesting mix between WorldTour teams and Professional squads. Eyes are especially on Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, which fields two great names: Giulio Pellizzari and Florian Lipowitz. With them also the young Adrien Boichis, completing a quality trio.Bahrain - Victorious relies on the experience of Damiano Caruso, while Caja Rural - Seguros RGA entrusts its hopes to Stefano Oldani and Joan Bou. Also worth keeping an eye on are Bardiani CSF 7 Saber with Luca Paletti, fresh from a season of growth, and the Iberian teams such as Euskaltel - Euskadi, Equipo Kern Pharma and Burgos Burpellet BH, who bring to Italy riders used to racing as protagonists.The form of the big namesAnalyzing this season's results, Giulio Pellizzari arrives in Cesenatico with the wind in his sails. The 22-year-old from Marche has achieved a notable result at the Vuelta a Burgos, winning a stage and finishing on the podium in another. But it is the 4th place at Milan-Turin that makes Italian fans dream: a performance that confirms excellent condition in late-season races and the ability to be competitive on rolling courses.His teammate Florian Lipowitz instead impressed at the Tour de France, where he collected five top-seven finishes in different stages, with an excellent 4th place in the tenth stage. A consistency that makes him a tough nut for anyone.Damiano Caruso brings the experience of a Giro d'Italia raced as a protagonist: 3rd in stage 17 and placings in stages 19 and 20 show that at 35 the Sicilian is still a point of reference in stage races and classics. Stefano Oldani, former Giro stage winner, showed flashes of class at the Tour of Slovenia (3rd in a stage) and the Tour of Türkiye, while Joan Bou managed to shine with a partial success at the Itzulia Basque Country.Among possible surprises, Luca Paletti has shown he can have his say on Italian courses with 7th place at the Giro dell'Appennino, and Xabier Berasategi (Euskaltel) arrives with a series of consistent placings at the Tour of Slovenia. Also watch out for Unai Iribar, sixth at the Classic Grand Besançon Doubs.The favorites for victoryOn the eve, the name that convinces the most is that of Giulio Pellizzari. The overall quality, knowledge of Italian roads and the form shown at Milan-Turin put him at the top of the list. Red Bull - BORA can also play the Lipowitz card, in a one-two that could put anyone in difficulty. Damiano Caruso is the classic wild card: with his tactical intelligence he can wait for the right moment to launch the decisive attack.The race, as always, will hold surprises: the Memorial Pantani is a race that lives on attacks and twists, and whoever has legs and courage can get satisfaction. But on paper, the podium could be an affair for the two Red Bull riders and the Bahrain veteran.The Memorial Marco Pantani has been held since 2004 in memory of the Pirate, who passed away the same year. The race has been won by champions such as Davide Rebellin, Fabio Aru and Diego Ulissi. — source: OFFICIAL RACE DATA (title, date, category)