Oristano's Sartiglia draws near amidst controversy and preparations: selections confirmed for January 18th.

AI-generated images of the componidori decked out in a helmet and protective vest are circulating on social media. They spark discussion, unsettle riders and lovers of tradition, but remain in the background. Meanwhile, the real Sartiglia, which will take place on February 15th and 17th, is proceeding along its path, made up of concrete decisions and mandatory steps. And one of these concerns the selection of riders, scheduled for January 18th.

At the end of the board meeting, Ignazio Nonnis, president of the knights' association, took stock of the situation, confirming the event as a key step in the run-up to the tournament. "We've received assurances that the insurance will start the day before the selections," he explained, clarifying one of the most delicate aspects. "The procedures will be officially announced on Friday at the members' meeting."

The selections will also serve to consolidate the numbers. After the withdrawal of a trio, 41 teams have registered for the next edition, including the two leading teams. This makes the selection process necessary not only to determine the number and order of the leading teams, but also to eliminate a surplus team.

Meanwhile, the public-facing organization is also getting underway. Tickets for the grandstands will go on sale at the end of January: 2,032 seats for the star race and 660 for the pairs, with prices unchanged from last year. The elimination of the grandstand for the sword presentation has also been confirmed, a decision requested by the Guilds to ensure more orderly management of that section of the route.

On the most pressing issue ahead of the event—helmets and pads—the Foundation maintains a cautious institutional stance. "The Foundation has already taken steps to do everything in its power to ensure the safety of the riders, and together with the Municipality and the Guilds, and with the Sartiglia Committee led by President Pala, we are addressing the issue from every angle," explains President Carlo Cuccu, specifying that "official communications on this matter will be conveyed by the Committee, respecting its crucial role." Thus, while artificial images continue to circulate online, actual preparations are progressing along clearly defined lines. And the first decisive turning point for the upcoming Sartiglia will depend on the January selections.