For sa prima pandela dell'Ardia on horseback Marco Mongili , 2023 will truly be a year to frame. First the appointment as head of the race and then the birth of his long-awaited firstborn, which his wife Simona will give birth to in November. While he talks about a year he won't forget easily, by Marco Mongili, 48, he above all conquers a smile: he is happy and shows it without any problems.

On July 6th and 7th he will lead the Sedanese knights in the unbridled race in honor of San Costantino . «It is not possible to explain the sensations I have felt - he says - since the parish priest Don Battista Mongili informed me on 29 January that I had been chosen as the first flag. My faith guides me - he points out - but I also carry a strong responsibility towards the community that expects me to honor Ardia in the best possible way».

And to do this, the role of those who have chosen as the second and third flag will be important. His faithful companions are the second Pier Giuseppe Spada, 40 , married to Claudia, father of Rachele and Aurora, the third Alessandro Nieddu , 38, married to Daniela, father of Carmine and expecting their second child. He chose them out of friendship, thanks to a consolidated relationship and harmony on horseback, which can come in handy in the most delicate moments of the race.

In the leading trio they are all riders with great experience behind them. The race leader joined Giovanni Mula as second flag in 2010, while Spada, as a very young man, played the role of third flag in 2004 and 2005 respectively with Salvatore Atzas and Francesco Pes. They have already chosen the horse with which to face the Ardia. Mongili will mount "Osvalda", a chestnut of his property; Sword "Peter Pan", one of his very expert horses with numerous Ardie behind him but also Sartiglie and pairs. Nieddu will instead be riding " Mary" , owned by his friend Francesco Marceddu.

«We have already started testing the horses individually - explain Mongili, Spada and Nieddu - we will go out together shortly».

In the dynamics of the Ardia the role of the escorts is also very important, all decided in the family. Mongili will have his brother Roberto nearby , the same goes for the second with Raffaele Spada by her side , while the third has chosen her brother - in - law Massimo Loi .

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