Elian Paccagnella popped the champagne corks. © ANSA / MAXIME SCHMID

Team gold: South Tyrol's cycling jewel is European champion

Elian Paccagnella has written another chapter of success in his great year 2025: He won the gold medal at the European Championships in Melgaco (Portugal).

July 25, 2025

From: det

This result is like balm for the soul of the South Tyrolean mountain bike scene, who has not been going through easy times recently. Elian Paccagnella, a 19-year-old cycling gem from Bolzano, won the gold medal with Italy's mixed relay team at the European Championships.

Paccagnella is considered South Tyrol's greatest mountain bike talent. This year, his star truly rose to prominence when he celebrated his first World Cup victory in the U23 category and also attracted attention with other strong results. Now, another highlight followed at the European Championships.

Celebrating gold, back from left: Ettore Fabbro, Juri Zanotti, Elian Paccagnella; front from left: Martina Berta, Elisa Ferri, Valentina Corvi. © ANSA / MAXIME SCHMID

Paccagnella, along with Juri Zanotti, Ettore Fabbro, Martina Berta, Valentina Corvi, and Elisa Ferri, cycled to the gold medal. The Azzurri stayed in the lead from the start and ultimately comfortably left the competition far behind. Silver went to Switzerland, and bronze to Germany.

First high school diploma, then European Championship gold

This is especially special for Paccagnella, as he hasn't been able to train fully recently due to his high school diploma exams. The European Championships aren't over yet – quite the opposite. The Talferstadt native has a chance to win another medal on Saturday afternoon. Paccagnella can certainly count on his chances in the U23 competition. The teenager is South Tyrol's only representative at the European Championships.