Italy’s national horse archery delegation delivered a standout performance at the European Junior Championships in Barcelona, securing multiple individual and team medals alongside a pair of national records. Representing the FITETREC-ANTE federation, the young squad competed against international riders across demanding technical courses, showcasing precision and horsemanship on the European stage.
U13 Podium Success Led by Lucchetta and Gargiulo
The under-13 division produced the delegation’s top individual podium finishes. Ginevra Lucchetta captured the silver medal, while teammate Eva Gargiulo earned the bronze medal following competitive rounds against Europe’s top young riders. Building on their individual success, Lucchetta and Gargiulo teamed up with Maia Martucci to secure a bronze medal for Italy in the U13 team competition.
For Gargiulo and Martucci, the international medals reflect ongoing training programs with the ASD L’Ardiglione based in Rocca Sinibalda. The riding facility continues to develop youth talent within the Rieti province, preparing athletes for equestrian sports at elite levels.
Antonelli Sets National Marks in Young Rider Division
Giorgio Antonelli emerged as one of the standout competitors of the Barcelona championships, setting two new Italian records in the specialized Tower90 and Raid234 tracks. Competing in the Young Rider category alongside more than 50 combinations from across Europe, Antonelli drove his performance to a fourth-place overall finish, narrowly missing an individual podium spot.
Later in the weekend, Antonelli joined forces with Giacomo Grego and Silvia Fagioli in the Élite team event. Following a closely contested, point-for-point battle against 13 other national delegations, the Italian Élite squad placed fifth overall. The division leaderboard was topped by representatives from France, Switzerland, Poland, and Turkey.
Next Stop: The Masters Trophy in China
With the European Championships concluded, the Italian Élite squad departed immediately for China to compete in the upcoming Masters Trophy. The delegation—featuring Giorgio Antonelli, Giacomo Grego, and Alessandro de Santis, under the direction of coach Manuele Gualdana—heads directly to test their skills against international fields in the high-profile Asian tournament.
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