Overview

• Filippo Conca secured the Italian national road race crown on June 29 by outkicking four rivals from a five-man break on the San Floriano del Collio climb
• Under rules that admit elite riders over 23 regardless of contract, his Swatt Club’s amateur status prevents him from wearing the champion’s jersey in pro events
• Conca is fielding offers from Continental-level squads to gain eligibility to don the tricolour outside the national championship
• His surprise victory has reignited a debate within the Federazione Ciclistica Italiana over eligibility rules and support for riders without professional contracts
• Swatt Club, born from a 2017 blog and funded by apparel and equipment sales, now faces pressure to pursue UCI licensing to secure its riders’ future at higher levels