Jake Vella Gets To Hold Ivan Basso’s Giro D’Italia Trophy During Surprise Hospital Visit

One of Malta’s youngest and most inspirational endurance athletes, Jake Vella, recently got one of the most surprising and honourable visits while in hospital.
Posting a photo together with pro-cyclist Valerio Agnioli, Vella can be seen holding the prestigious Giro D’Italia trophy, which was won by two-timer Ivan Basso in 2010.
“What a surprise! A unique opportunity to hold the trophy of the Giro D’Italia at Mater Dei Hospital,” Jake wrote on social media.
“For me, it is always a pleasure to share with you the emotions that I have felt in my career as a professional cyclist. You are my idol, Jake, never give up,” Valerio replied.
This comes just as VisitMalta has launched a partnership with the Giro D’Italia, with Valerio being the coordinator.
The MTA will be the official sponsor for Giro d’Italia which will have the VisitMalta brand featured around the event in Italy in the coming weeks, starting from 6th until 28th May 2023.
Giro d’Italia was established in 1909 and has been a prestigious event within the cycling world ever since. The Giro d’Italia is also one of the most followed events internationally. In fact, the event is broadcasted in around 200 countries worldwide, reaching around 650 million TV viewers.
During the press conference, Valerio, former pro-cyclist and Visitmalta coordinator in Eolo-Kometa Sponsorships, presented the Giro d’Italia trophy won by Mr. Ivan Basso, two-time winner of the Giro d’Italia.
What do you make of this special visit?