Caruso

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One year later

"I still think you should turn it the other way."

"Wait a second. In your absence, I've been doing this for the past six years. I believe I have figured out how to properly position the banner."

"Well, you've most likely been doing it wrong."

"Would you like to come up here then?"

"Come on, guys, don't argue. We don't have all day. Alberto, it looks fantastic, and Giulia, I believe Signora Marsigliese requested assistance with the cups. Do you think you can help her?

Giulia grunted and walked away from the finish line, located in the heart of the Portorosso square.

"Thank you, Luca," Alberto murmured, his face relaxed. "I was considering doing something heinous to her."

Alberto slid down the stairwell. He was hanging the finish line banner. It was still early morning, but the Portorosso Cup would start in the early afternoon, and there was still a lot to do: place the buoys for the swimming portion of the race, set up the pasta cooking area, and make sure the trail was clear of any potential hazards. After the disaster a few years ago, when a bunch of kids drove over some rocks and caused pandemonium right in the middle of the descent, Alberto didn't want to take any chances.

He volunteered to help with the race's organisation many years ago, and since then, everybody who had a difficulty came to him for aid.

"You really like doing this," Luca asked.

"Yeah," Alberto replied, wiping his forehead. "As a two-time winner of the Portorosso Cup I've become quite addicted to this. Besides, the locals appreciate the help, so I'm more than glad to do it."

Because Alberto was the finest swimmer in town, he decided to look after the buoys, while Luca offered to take after the cooking. The eating challenge this year included bucatini, a long pasta similar to spaghetti but with a hole in the centre. It was the ideal pasta for rich sauces, but it didn't work as well without them. That's why it was labeled a challenge.

The morning had turned around, and after Alberto had placed all of the buoys, Luca had taken care of the team that would provide the pasta, and Giulia had ensured that each competitor was properly equipped for the triathlon, the race was set to start.

The 1972 Portorosso Cup was announced by Signora Marsigliese, who stood at the edge of the swimmers' starting position. The Underdogs kept a safe distance and ate their well-earned gelato. The first team jumped into the water after the initial pronti, ai posti, via! Alberto was proud of the swimmers, having assisted several of them in improving their swimming abilities over the course of the year. He was able to successfully blend the sea-folk and human swimming styles, dramatically improving their speed and agility as a result.

"You truly taught them well," Luca remarked.

Alberto smirked, "Well, you know, I'm kind of an expert."

The first swimmers emerged from the water shortly after, passing the symbolic torch to the pasta-eating teams. Luca remembered almost throwing up before the bicycle ride the first year he alone ran the Cup; he never dared to joke Giulia about it afterward.

A few minutes later, the team's fastest members were already straining to ascend the Portorosso hill, some of them attempting to make up for the preceding team members' lost time.

The most dangerous section of the race was the descent. Many of the racers adopted a cautious approach, resulting in a loss of speed and a chance for a good place. However, there was one girl who didn't appear to be planning on taking advantage of the breaks. She breezed by every other competitor, navigating the turns deftly and avoiding tripping on the rough ground. She lowered herself into a flatter posture in the final few meters, making herself even more aerodynamic, and crossing the finish line ahead of everyone else.