Italy is now an international mountain bike centre, even from the organizational point of view. Being assigned the 2006 European Cross Country and Marathon Championships is another link in the chain to add to this year's World Championships at Livigno and the European Downhill held at Commezzadura Val di Sole. Alpago, one of the cradles of Italian off-road, could not be missing from this chain. The Cycling Club of Chies d'Alpago is not new to big committments, having successfully organized the 2001 Italian Championships and this season the fi nals of the Liquigas Cup. The European fi xture is a great achievement. Tambre, which will host the Marathon, and Lamosano at Chies d' Alpago, site of the Cross Country and Team Relay, will have a resounding drum to beat in promoting the natural beauties of the Belluno Dolomites through mountain biking. Not by chance are the Regions, Local Authorities, Tourist Agencies and sponsors becoming increasingly interested in this sport. And it seems to me an excellent sign that the National Champion, Marco Bui, made his mark on the news by fi rst winning the Liquigas Cup in Alpago and then the third trial of the World Cup at Houffalize in Belgium. This had not happened for many years, but if Italy can play a major role in future mountain bike events, its return to popularity and standing will inevitably be refl ected in these European Championships in Alpago and bring great benefi t to our sport. In the name of all Italian cycling therefore, I thank our friends at the Chies d'Alpago Cycling Club and their collaborators and send my best wishes for success in their enterprise.