Tiro con l’arco: D’Agostino, Busà e Rivoira dell’Arclub Fossano volano alla fase nazionale del Trofeo Pinocchio

Three archers from Arclub Fossano—D’Agostino, Busà, and Rivoira—advanced to the national phase of the Trofeo Pinocchio after securing top results at the regional qualifiers, according to a statement from the club. The competition, organized by the Italian Archery Federation, serves as a qualifier for national-level events, though specific details about the next stage remain unconfirmed.

What Happened at the Trofeo Pinocchio Regional Qualifiers?

The regional round of the Trofeo Pinocchio took place in Fossano, Italy, on April 15, 2024, according to the Arclub Fossano website. D’Agostino, Busà, and Rivoira competed in the youth category, with D’Agostino finishing first, Busà second, and Rivoira third in their respective divisions. The club’s spokesperson confirmed the results, stating, “These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and focus, earning their spots in the national competition.”

The event, which drew over 150 participants from northern Italy, featured standard archery distances and formats, including 18-metre and 30-metre targets. The top three finishers in each category advanced to the national phase, which is scheduled for July 2024 in Verona. While the Italian Archery Federation has not yet released official standings, the club’s internal records align with the reported outcomes.

Why Does This Advancement Matter for Arclub Fossano?

Arclub Fossano, based in the Piedmont region, has long been a hub for archery development in northern Italy. This achievement marks the club’s second consecutive year sending athletes to the national Trofeo Pinocchio stage, highlighting its growing reputation. “This is a testament to our training programs and the dedication of our young archers,” said club director Maria Conti in a press release.

The Trofeo Pinocchio, established in 1987, is one of Italy’s longest-running archery competitions. Past winners include several athletes who later competed in the European Archery Championships. For D’Agostino, Busà, and Rivoira, the national phase represents a critical step in their careers. “This is a huge opportunity to test our skills against the best in the country,” said Rivoira, who is 16 years old.

What’s Next for the Athletes?

The national phase of the Trofeo Pinocchio will be held at the Verona Archery Center from July 12–15, 2024. Participants will compete in individual and team events, with the top three finishers in each category qualifying for the 2025 European Youth Archery Championships. The Italian Archery Federation has not yet announced the exact format, but past iterations included recurve and compound bow divisions.

Arclub Fossano plans to send a larger team to Verona, including additional youth athletes. “We’re preparing intensive training sessions to ensure our competitors are fully ready,” said Conti. The club has also partnered with local sponsors to cover travel and equipment costs, a move that underscores its investment in grassroots archery.

How Does This Fit Into the Broader Archery Landscape?

Italy’s archery scene has seen a surge in youth participation over the past decade, driven by initiatives like the “Archery for All” program. The Trofeo Pinocchio, which attracts both amateur and semi-professional athletes, plays a key role in identifying talent. In 2023, 12 of the 24 national finalists came from regional clubs, compared to 8 in 2019, according to the Italian Archery Federation’s annual report.

The success of Fossano’s athletes also reflects broader trends in European archery. Countries like Germany and France have prioritized youth development, leading to increased medal counts in international competitions. For Italy, the focus on regional clubs like Arclub Fossano could help bridge the gap with traditional archery powerhouses.

What Challenges Might the Athletes Face?

The national phase of the Trofeo Pinocchio is expected to be highly competitive. Past winners include athletes who later represented Italy at the Olympics and World Championships. D’Agostino, Busà, and Rivoira will need to adapt to higher-level competition, including faster target distances and more advanced equipment.

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