The children's story character from a small Italian village whose nose grew when he told a lie also appears, unfortunately, to have a markedly extended proboscis.

The Italian race website describes "A puppet without the tufts of hair (which are drawn on wood) and elaborate clothes of Disney's Pinocchio".

It adds: "Our Pinocchio is proud that his land, Tuscany, has been chosen as the venue for hosting the World Championships.

"The silhouette is athletic and slender like a true racer."

The Pinocchio is a character who does not forget the social message: under his left arm carries a helmet to "communicate", both adults and children, that security is a prerequisite.

It goes on: "Ours is a Pinocchio attached to his land, proud, sports and attentive.

"His attention is fixed on the horizon, expressing an optimistic attitude, projected into the future.

"The expression of the face is smiling, happy, positive, and at the same time almost amazed/surprised.

"Amazed by the beauty he sees in front of him (because there are lands and places that never cease to amaze).

"This type of expression is also intended as an invitation to the public to come and discover the beauty of this land."

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