The impending gathering in Turin, dubbed Superga, serves as a distant backdrop for the initiation of the Vuelta a España cycling race.

In the rolling hills of Piedmont, Italy, lies Superga - a historic site that holds a poignant place in the hearts of football fans worldwide. This serene hill, home to a basilica and the tombs of kings and queens, is also the final resting place of one of the greatest football teams in history: Il Grande Torino.

Superga is more than just a picturesque destination; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of sports and the heartbreak of a team destined to conquer Italy, Europe, and potentially the world. The tragic plane crash that occurred at Superga in 1949 cut short a team on the brink of greatness, ending their five consecutive Serie A title wins.

The Milan-Turin classic, Italy's oldest cycling race, has seen only five Spanish cyclists claim victory: Poblet, Uriona, Serrano, Astarloa, and most recently, Contador in 2012. However, there are no records indicating which Spanish cyclists have conquered the summit of Superga, the 4.7-kilometer climb with a gradient of up to 18%, during the Milan-Turin race.

Each year, on the anniversary of the crash (May 4th), Toro fans gather at Superga as a moment of communion to remember the 31 lives lost, including the members of the Torino team. The captain of the current Torino team reads out the names of the deceased in a sepulchral silence, a poignant reminder of the team that could have been.

The 1950 World Cup remains the great "what if" for Italian football, as the Torino team was expected to dominate. The crash at Superga robbed the world of witnessing their potential triumph, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate.

Despite not being as challenging as Zoncolan or Mortirolo, Superga holds significant value for the people of Piedmont. It serves as a reminder of the past, a testament to resilience, and a symbol of hope for the future.

In the midst of this year's Milan-Turin classic, Isaac del Toro added his name to the list of Spanish cyclists who have triumphed in this historic race. As the sun sets over Superga, it casts a shadow over the past, reminding us of the team that could have been and the enduring spirit that lives on.