Captain Castagna Champion Again

NEWS Tuesday 20th October 2026, 6:55pm

by Monarchs PR

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Monarchs captain Paco Castagna was crowned Italian Champion for a sixth time (alongside four junior championships) at Lonigo on Sunday afternoon.

Leading by 12 going into the finale Paco knew a top eight finish would be enough to make it a trio of golds but he was in no mood to rest on his laurels recording 14 out of 15 in the qualifying heats to head straight for the final.

Nicolas Vicenten would take the win on the day but with Castagna in second it was job done and a 14 point win overall.

A delighted Paco saying after, "The last meeting was actually a bit weird, we were struggling with tyres and the track was slick and I struggled with set ups a little bit.

"So, to get it over the line and win the championship in front of a lot of fans was amazing. To celebrate with them and hear the noise and the flares and things like that they had was really nice.

"That is three in a row, six overall and ten if you include the junior championships and it takes a lot of effort you know. There is a lot of traveling during the season racing in the UK on a Friday trying to get two hours sleep then get home and race.

"It is a long championship and it takes time and it means you have to be at your best all year. It is all good though, I am happy, I am proud.

"It has been a difficult year, it has been intense and stressful at times and it has had its ups and downs so it is a nice way to finish that, even after the injuries and struggles when you win titles and championships it makes it all worthwhile."

As ever Paco not one to rest on his laurels as he heads for Argentina over the European winter to keep himself fresh and ready for 2027.

Photo credit - GR Foto Video