The echoes of the success of the Gran Prix d'Italia–Memorial Alberto Ferrerio 2025, a few weeks ago, have not yet faded, nor those of the 30th World Championship of the Muzzle loaders associations international committee-MLAIC at the end of August last year. The Italian muzzle-loading is going through a golden moment, if not for the performances of the Azzurri in these international competitions, which do exist, for those of organization and notoriety.
The World Championship contributed massively, bringing the attention of international specialists and the entire environment to Italy, and then the structure of the Marco Pasini sports shooting field in Valeggio sul Mincio (Vr), which is "dedicated" to the muzzle-loading specialty.
The new CNDA
In the meantime, there has been a “very smooth” handover in the organizational chart of the association that governs muzzle-loading in Italy. Gian Mario Delvò, last March 31, left the presidency of the Consociazione nazionale degli archibugieri-CNDA, after two consecutive terms, to one of the outgoing councilors, Carlo Bianchini. For the other elective positions, Delvò does not go too far and is deputy vice president, councilor Antonio Ferrerio remains MLAIC delegate, Pietro Grazioli is responsible for the sports office, while Nicola Pizzinato becomes responsible for the rankings office and captain of the national team. The outgoing secretary Francesco Fabbri is confirmed in the position. The board of directors then approved the other appointments: Elena Bacconi treasurer, Massimo Capone responsible for historical shooting, Luca Laurenti responsible for middle and long range, Marco Locatelli responsible for clay shooting and Luca Monducci responsible for the press office.
Born in Cremona, Bianchini approached muzzle loading at a very young age. He moved to Milan for university studies, after a long course of managerial experiences in Italian multinational groups, he finally resumed his beloved passion for black powder at the TSN of Milan, Bergamo, Rovereto and Pavia. The new CNDA president collects antique weapons and includes in his palmarès some podium placements both of Revolvers and Long weapons in Vetterli, Lamarmora and Bench rest.
For this he thanks above all the members of Lombardo-veneta who provided him «the whole set of information, anecdotes and “professional secrets” that have contributed to fueling my passion and in achieving some of the best results achieved in the race».
The floor to the president
Let's start with the first event that saw you and the CNDA involved, immediately after the renewal of the Board of Directors, that is, the Gran Prix d'Italia–Memorial Alberto Ferrerio 2025, the sixth edition of the important international race.
"The event, which completely absorbed me, took place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th April and registered 110 shooters for the competitions, 510 performances over the three days of competition, of which 270 were booked by 45 foreign shooters. The international appeal of our Grand Prix is now consolidated, and the best shooters from European countries met with us to "measure themselves" in a highly qualified and friendly context, thanks also to our sponsors and the ownership of the Valeggio shooting range. Results in all disciplines worthy of a European Championship, with individual records and excellent team scores. Now the new challenge is for the "real" European Championship in Barcelos, Portugal, an event for which the entire CNDA organization is already working in order to make possible the highest participation of our members".
Can we talk about the success of muzzle-loading in Italy after the last international Grand Prix and the World Championship in Valeggio?
"The recent experiences gained during the 30th Muzzleloading World Championship, held last year, or in the last Italian Grand Prix - Alberto Ferrerio Memorial, have shown that there is a great interest in muzzleloading in Italy, as well as in all European countries at least. Also on other occasions in which our common passion is "illustrated" to the general public, we have seen curiosity and interest that often result in new followers".
What is the “difference” of the muzzle loader for the president of the CNDA?
«Collaborating with the CNDA as a councilor for the four-year period 2021-2025 and, since March, as president, I have had the opportunity to note that the fraternal, cheerful and openly collaborative atmosphere is a constant feature in the world of muzzle loading, which infects all sports practitioners and their companies».
What more can be done to promote this sport outside?
"Among the objectives that the Consociation sets itself, there is certainly the promotion among young people and anyone who is curious or interested in black powder, of our sports activities, which then lead to fun, passion or competition. And if a promotional vehicle "of choice" is the practice of muzzle-loading shooting at the TSN sections, for CNDA a priority objective is the reunification of the Italian muzzle-loading Championship under the common aegis of CNDA and UITS, overcoming obstacles that are now obsolete and aiming, it must be said, at the development of the discipline in an organic, safe and professional manner".
And what organizational objectives do you propose for the CNDA?
"In absolute coherence with the first two of the objectives we set ourselves, there is also the development of the Companies of Arquebusiers in regions or cities where there is a certain interest in the discipline, but where there is currently a lack of reference points or recognized skills. During more than one edition of the well-known EOS event in Verona, as well as during introductory sessions to muzzle-loading promoted by excellent companies, there has been interest from several potential enthusiasts who, despite themselves, cannot practice the sport in their areas of residence due to organizational and logistical difficulties".
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"CNDA has long collaborated with various organizations, and the member Companies have done their utmost to support other athletes in organizing promotional events and competitions; it is our intention to continue this tradition, with the collaboration of our highly qualified resources from a technical and competitive perspective, to invest resources and skills in a further long-term development project".
