Astarco Shines in Alessandria: Bogliacini Claims Bronze in Interregional Archery Clash

The precision of the “biancorossi” was on full display last Sunday, May 3, 2026, as the Astarco archery club from Asti delivered a commanding performance at the interregional archery competition in Alessandria. In a field of roughly 100 archers representing various clubs across the Piedmont region, Astarco’s athletes secured a mix of podium finishes and top-ten placements, proving their technical depth across multiple bow divisions.

The event, hosted by the Società Arcieri Città della Paglia, served as a high-stakes gathering for local talent and seasoned professionals alike. With stable weather conditions and a strong turnout of spectators, the competition provided an ideal backdrop for Astarco to showcase its preparation and determination.

Podium Success: Gaia Bogliacini’s Bronze Breakthrough

The highlight of the afternoon came in the Olympic Bow division, where Gaia Bogliacini stood out in the Allievi Femminile (Female Youth) category. Bogliacini navigated the pressure of the line to secure the bronze medal, finishing with a total of 433 points.

For those unfamiliar with the youth divisions, the “Allievi” category is a critical developmental stage where consistency and mental fortitude are tested against peers. Bogliacini’s ability to maintain a high scoring average under the gaze of a regional crowd underscores her trajectory as a rising talent within the club.

Consistency Across the Line: Senior and Master Performances

While Bogliacini took the hardware, Astarco’s veteran presence ensured the club remained competitive throughout the entire day. The competition was split by bow type and timing, with the Barebow and Compound divisions firing in the morning and the Olympic Bows taking over the afternoon.

In the Senior Maschile Olympic Bow category, Riccardo Manina put in a disciplined performance. Manina finished 6th posting a score of 509 points. While he narrowly missed the podium, his placement among the senior ranks highlights the club’s ability to compete at the highest age brackets.

The morning sessions saw Astarco’s Master athletes fighting for the top spots. Massimo Musso, competing in the Compound Master Maschile division, delivered a high-scoring round of 646 points, earning a respectable 4th place finish. Simultaneously, Andrea Pescatori mirrored that success in the Arco Nudo (Barebow) Master Maschile division, also claiming 4th place with a score of 541 points.

Quick Look: Astarco Results Summary

Understanding the Gear: A Guide to the Divisions

To the casual observer, archery may look like a singular discipline, but the Alessandria event highlighted the distinct technical requirements of the three primary divisions used by the Astarco athletes. (Essentially, the bow determines not just how the arrow is shot, but how the archer interacts with the target.)

The Olympic Bow: Used by Bogliacini and Manina, this is the gold standard for international competition. These bows feature stabilizers and sights to maximize accuracy over long distances. It requires a rigorous physical draw and a steady release, making it a test of pure endurance and form.

The Compound Bow: Massimo Musso’s division utilizes a system of pulleys and cams. This “let-off” allows the archer to hold the string at full draw with significantly less effort than a traditional bow, allowing for more precise aiming. This is why Compound scores, such as Musso’s 646, are typically higher than those in other divisions.

The Barebow (Arco Nudo): Andrea Pescatori competed in this “purist” category. Barebows lack the sights and stabilizers of the other two types. Archers must rely on “string walking” or instinctive aiming, making it one of the most challenging divisions in terms of raw skill and intuition.

The Competitive Landscape: National Presence

The prestige of the Alessandria tournament was elevated by the presence of national-level talent. Among the hundred-plus archers were Michea Godano and Alessandro Paoli, both members of the Italian National team. Having local club athletes like those from Astarco share the line with national representatives provides invaluable experience and a benchmark for growth.

The event’s organization by the Società Arcieri Città della Paglia ensured a professional atmosphere, which is crucial for athletes attempting to shave points off their totals. In a sport where a single millimeter can be the difference between a 9 and a 10, the stability of the environment—and the weather—played a significant role in the high-quality scoring seen across the board.

What’s Next for Astarco?

The success in Alessandria serves as a springboard for the club’s upcoming initiatives. Astarco is currently shifting its focus toward the organization and promotion of the 1° Trofeo Astarco, an event expected to bring the same level of competitive intensity to their own home turf.

For the athletes, the goal remains consistency. For Bogliacini, the bronze medal is a milestone; for the Masters, the 4th place finishes indicate they are within striking distance of the podium. The club’s ability to place athletes in the top six across three different bow types suggests a well-rounded coaching program in Asti.

Keep an eye on the official club announcements for dates and registration details regarding the Trofeo Astarco. We will continue to track the progress of these Piedmontese archers as they move further into the 2026 season.

Do you think the Compound division’s higher scoring makes it more accessible for new archers, or does the Barebow’s purity offer a more rewarding challenge? Let us know in the comments below.