Pedaling to Paris: Luca Chiumento's Olympic Journey and His Uncle's Charitable Ride

Italian rower Luca Chiumento is in Paris for the Olympic Games, while his uncle Enzo biked from Italy, raising funds for charity. The 12-day journey with 23 cyclists supported the 'City of Hope,' a pediatric hospital foundation. Enzo will now support Luca in the quadruple sculls event.

Italian rower Luca Chiumento has arrived in Paris to compete in the quadruple sculls at the Olympic Games, while his uncle, Enzo Chiumento, has made a significant journey of his own, cycling from Italy to raise funds for charity.

The fundraising bike trip saw 23 participants traverse the Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and France, clocking an average of 120 kilometers per day. After 12 days, the group arrived in Paris, where the Games' opening ceremony is set for Friday. 'It was a great feeling. We arrived, we hugged each other. Someone shed tears. It was a touching moment,' Enzo told Reuters.

The charity effort supports the 'Citta della Speranza' or 'City of Hope,' a foundation based in Padova that has built and supports a pediatric haematology hospital. Enzo was one of the eight riders to complete the trek. 'It was a great experience. We didn't know each other before. The Olympic Games were the right occasion,' Enzo added. With his primary goal achieved, Enzo is now focused on supporting Luca as he competes in the quadruple sculls, a category in which he won gold at the 2022 European Championships.

(With inputs from agencies.)