Maria Cressari

Italian Maria Cressari established a women's new hour record 1972 in Mexico City in the Olympic Velodrome. Her average speed was 41.471 kph (25.7 mph). The record stood for six years.


She was also the road race Italian national champion in 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1973.


Photos: some nice old photos; the last of Cressari training at the Vigorelli for an eventual attempt on the 100 km record.


Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,000 stories in this blog; the search feature to the right works best for finding things in the blog.

Campionato Italiano Ex-Professionisti

On Sunday, November 1st, the Italian Championship for Ex-Professionals will be held in Cittiglio (VA). The start will be in front of the Afredo Binda museum on via Marconi at 1500. The race will be criterium style with 17 laps for a total of 30 km. It should be great fun for the spectators.


Four tricolor jerseys will be awarded in 4 age groups. Among the ex-professionals racing (birth year in parenthesis): Francesco Moser (1951), Gianni Bugno (1964), Claudio Chiappucci (1963), Stefano Zanini (1969), Daniele Nardello (1972), Danilo Gioia (1966), Mauro Vigna (1938) , Carlo Rancati (1940), Ennio Vanotti (1955), Patrizio Gambirasio (1961), Renato Rota (1946), Mario Bertazoli (1943), Marco Dalla Vedova (1972), Germano Barale (1936), Florindo Barale (1968), Enrico Guadrini (1945), Valerio Tebaldi (1965), Nicola Loda (1971), Damiano Capodivento (1943), Francesco Prina (1919), Pasquale Pugliese (1952), Imerio Massignan (1937), Luigi Zaimbro (1936), Giulio Ricciardi, Piero Coppi, Cristiano Frattini (1973), Mario Lanzafame (1949), Marcello Bergamo (1946).


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Gran Fondo Colnago, Coming to Los Angeles

Gran Fondo USA LLC, which has already announced two granfondo events for next year (in San Diego and Philadelphia), is adding a third city for 2010: Los Angeles.


The San Diego event is scheduled for 7 March, 2010, and the Philadelphia event is scheduled for August 8, 2010. No date has been announced for Philadelphia. Previous story here. Paolo Bettini is scheduled to be at the San Diego.


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Cuccuini Libero at L'Eroica

I like this photograph because it reminds me of all the Italian old-timers that still ride strong. Here is Sig. Cuccuini who at 88 years was riding at the L'Eroica. Not only that, he was good friends with Gino Bartali.


Photo: by Candida Donzella


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Selle Italia MONOLINK Saddle and Seat Post

Selle Italia has announced the introduction of their "Monolink" system. Prototypes have been seen at bike shows since 2007 but it is finally coming to market.


The saddle uses a single carbon weave rail which according to Selle Italia increases the torsional strength by 30% and the crash resistance by 300% compared to the traditional carbon railed saddles. The rail is made of HM K6 carbon fiber.


The matching seat post is claimed to be 50% stronger due to the new clamping system and the use of HM K3 carbon fiber. Added benefits are more front and rear saddle adjustability, and ease of adjustment (something I can appreciate after dealing with a two bolt Campagnolo seatpost this weekend). Weight is 160g (+/- 8%). Monolink will initially be available in 31.6 in 300mm and 350mm lengths.


Photo: Monolink system; saddles: Team Edition (the Flow version is with the cut out in the middle)



Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Sneak Preview: The "Ben Vivere" Tour with Eros Poli

Guest contributor Buzz Yancich is preparing a series of stories about a custom cycling tour, "Ben Vivere", which Eros Poli put together for his group in September. Buzz says that his stories this time will include some videos and sends one along of a descent of Monte Baldo (Monte Baldo flanks the eastern coast of Lake Garda) to wet our appetites:


Buzz used a Canon SD780IS point and shoot camera in video mode mounted on the handlebars with a mini-tripod with a built in velcro strap (available at REI and camera stores).


Previous stories by Buzz that have appeared:
The Eros Poli/Verona Experience
Part I: Andy Hampsten and the Gavia (and a few other Passes)
Part II: Andy Hampsten and the Gavia (and a few other Passes)
Part III: Andy Hampsten and the Gavia (and a few other Passes)


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Gran Fondo Nove Colli

The Gran Fondo Nove Colli, the largest granfondo in Italy, will be getting larger in 2010. Celebrating its 40th anniversary next year the rider limit has been raised to 12,000. Even at that there will be riders turned away. The race start is in Cesenatico, home of Marco Pantani, on Sunday, May 23, 2010.


For those who are interested in a package consisting of race entry and hotel accommodations registration opened on October 24th. This will guarantee a start in the third starting grid (blue grid).


If you are interested in race registration only, registration will open on November 28th.


Registration fees will go up this year to 50 Euro.


The official Nove Colli guide in English and Italian, in a PDF format, can be seen here. The official website is http://www.novecolli.it/


Photos: event announcement; the start in Cesenatico


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

ELITE "Are you strong enough?" Campaign

"Are you strong enough?" This is the question that Elite is asking all cyclists and two wheel fans in its new ad campaign for its 2010 Realpower rollers.


"Are you strong enough?” is a message presented in three original short videos starring Elite Realpower, the electronic roller that can provide gradients of up to 20% simulating the genuine sensations of a real road race.


The Realpower roller features innovative magnetic powders in the resistance unit combined with with electronics and software. The videos present the Realpower product and all the software applications for the roller, including a GPS system that allows a rider to input and revisit road routes already ridden, and an Internet racing feature for access to limitless on-line challenges with other enthusiasts from all over the world. It also comes pre-loaded with Giro d'Italia and Tour de France stages.


"Can you afford it?" could be another question. Price is approximately $1,900.

Visit the Elite website, www.elite-it.com, to read about all the features of the unit.


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Bianchi "Infinito" C2C

CICLISMO magazine has a particularly glowing report of the new Bianchi "Infinito" (Infinity) bike. The new Infinito is the top model in the C2C (Coast 2 Coast) category which is intended for long distance riding in comfort with maximum performance.


Bianchi has changed the geometry of the Infinito by having a taller headtube than other C2C models, slightly more than 1.5 cm in order to provide a more comfortable position (with the added benefit of eliminating the need for lots of spacers). Adding to the comfort is the use of a new type of carbon fiber, Toho Um 40, applied to certain parts of the frame. A new full carbon fork with a semi-straight fork was also developed for the Infinito.


CICLISMO's review concluded that in this new frame Bianchi has been successful in building a frame that is both more aggressive and comfortable. It is very responsive and lighter, and much more competitive for climbing and responding to accelerations. The frame, according to CICLISMO, is ideal for granfondos and suitable for those that are fairly ambitious but not necessarily obsessed about every second (well, for those riders Bianchi has the HC-Hor Categorie and B4P-Born 4 Performance series). Having said that, note that Robbie Hunter of Team Barloworld/Bianchi rode an Infinito during the 2009 Giro d'Italia.

The Infinito can be ordered equipped with Campagnolo Veloce or Athena, or Shimano Ultegra in which case it comes in the celeste/white, blue/white, or red/white as pictured above. It is also available as a frameset only, but oddly only in blue/white or red/white.


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

PMP CPS Pedal System

Italian component maker PMP brought their prototype "Circular Pedal System" (CPS) to EICMA. The company is known for its lightweight products and this pedal system, in titanium, weighs in at 145 grams for a pair. The pedals will go into production once the current feedback phase of road testing and final modifications are completed.


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

De Rosa - Stac Plastic, New Continental Pro Team

LPR Brakes - Farnese is finished. New team manager Giovanni Fidanza has announced that bicycle manufacturer De Rosa and chemical company Stac Plastic have teamed up with him to create a new Italian Continental Pro Team for 2010 "De Rosa - Stac Plastic". The new team hopes to earn a spot for the Giro d'Italia.

LPR Brakes cancelled their sponsorship of the team after Danilo Di Luca, now serving a suspension, tested positive for doping. Eleven LPR riders are coming over to the new team and another four have been signed.

Cristiano De Rosa said, "The desire is to do well. We will evaluate the project periodically but our idea is that this is a long term project. We decided to invest and put our name first because we are a cycling company and we believe in what we make."


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Sticker Shock & Insanity, Part II

In Part I we covered the Campagnolo Record carbon water bottle cage at $ 159.95.

In this installment of Sticker Shock & Insanity we have the Selle SMP Strike Full Carbon saddle, "The flagship of the SMP series. The SMP Strike Full Carbon represents the pinnacle of comfort and ergonomics while combining the weight savings of a carbon fiber. Weighing in at a scant 105 grams makes this saddle ideal for your feather light racing machine. "

Price? An astronomical $ 699.95. If you do not believe me see here.

Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Past Winners of the Giro d'Italia

2009 MENCHOV Denis (Russia)
2008 CONTADOR Alberto (Spagna)
2007 DI LUCA Danilo
2006 BASSO Ivan
2005 SAVOLDELLI Paolo
2004 CUNEGO Damiano
2003 SIMONI Gilberto
2002 SAVOLDELLI Paolo
2001 SIMONI Gilberto
2000 GARZELLI Stefano
1999 GOTTI Ivan
1998 PANTANI Marco
1997 GOTTI Ivan
1996 TONKOV Pavel (Russia)
1995 ROMINGER Tony (Svizzera)
1994 BERZIN Eugeni (Russia)
1993 INDURAIN Miguel (Spagna)
1992 INDURAIN Miguel (Spagna)
1991 CHIOCCIOLI Franco
1990 BUGNO Gianni
1989 FIGNON Laurent (Francia)
1988 HAMPSTEN Andrew (U.S.A.)
1987 ROCHE Stephen (Irlanda)
1986 VISENTINI Roberto
1985 HINAULT Bernard (Francia)
1984 MOSER Francesco
1983 SARONNI Giuseppe
1982 HINAULT Bernard (Francia)
1981 BATTAGLIN Giovanni
1980 HINAULT Bernard (Francia)
1979 SARONNI Giuseppe
1978 DE MUYNCK Johan (Belgio)
1977 POLLENTIER Michel (Belgio)
1976 GIMONDI Felice
1975 BERTOGLIO Fausto
1974 MERCKX Eddy (Belgio)
1973 MERCKX Eddy (Belgio)
1972 MERCKX Eddy (Belgio)
1971 PETTERSON Gösta (Svezia)
1970 MERCKX Eddy (Belgio)
1969 GIMONDI Felice
1968 MERCKX Eddy (Belgio)
1967 GIMONDI Felice
1966 MOTTA Gianni
1965 ADORNI Vittorio
1964 ANQUETIL Jacques (Francia)
1963 BALMAMION Franco
1962 BALMAMION Franco
1961 PAMBIANCO Arnaldo
1960 ANQUETIL Jacques (Francia)
1959 GAUL Charly (Lussemburgo)
1958 BALDINI Ercole
1957 NENCINI Gastone
1956 GAUL Charly (Lussemburgo)
1955 MAGNI Fiorenzo
1954 CLERICI Carlo (Svizzera)
1953 COPPI Fausto
1952 COPPI Fausto
1951 MAGNI Fiorenzo
1950 KOBLET Hugo (Svizzera)
1949 COPPI Fausto
1948 MAGNI Fiorenzo
1947 COPPI Fausto
1946 BARTALI Gino
1940 COPPI Fausto
1939 VALETTI Giovanni
1938 VALETTI Giovanni
1937 BARTALI Gino
1936 BARTALI Gino
1935 BERGAMASCHI Vasco
1934 GUERRA Learco
1933 BINDA Alfredo
1932 PESENTI Antonio
1931 CAMUSSO Francesco
1930 MARCHISIO Luigi
1929 BINDA Alfredo
1928 BINDA Alfredo
1927 BINDA Alfredo
1926 BRUNERO Giovanni
1925 BINDA Alfredo
1924 ENRICI Giuseppe
1923 GIRARDENGO Costante
1922 BRUNERO Giovanni
1921 BRUNERO Giovanni
1920 BELLONI Gaetano
1919 GIRARDENGO Costante
1914 CALZOLARI Alfonso
1913 ORIANI Carlo
1912 TEAM: ATALA (only year winner was based upon team concept)
1911 GALETTI Carlo
1910 GALETTI Carlo
1909 GANNA Luigi

Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Riders' Comment on 2010 Giro Stages

Alessandro Petacchi, "I saw in the program that there are seven stages for sprinters, a large number for a grand tour. I will try to prepare myself better and I think I still have many things to say on the road."


Mark Cavendish, "Seven stages for us? It is definitely nice, I'll be there Because I love the Tour of Italy." Later, Cavindish said that there is a possibility that Team Columbia might skip the Giro in order to race in the Tour of California (the races will overlap each other in 2010).


Alessandro Ballan, "I'm a little ashamed, in seven years as a professional I have never raced the Corsa Rosa. 2010 will be good a good year, I can not wait to race my first Giro."


Rinaldo Nocentini, "I know the stage of Montalcino, with the white gravel roads, very well. It is close to home. It would be nice to give a victory to all the fans who follow me. Pozzato We hope does not enter the Tour Because He could be a very dangerous opponent in this stage. The pink jersey? Wearing it would be nice but it seems not an easy undertaking. "Nocentini wore the yellow jersey in the Tour de France for 8 days last year.


Ivan Basso, "It will be a hard Giro, very difficult in the second part. I think I can race two Grand Tours as a rival and end up with an important result."


Damiano Cunego, "It is too stressful racing for the overall classification. It is easier to aim for a particular stage. You can show yourself better this way. There are three, or four stages suited to me: Terminillo in the first week and in the third week: Mortirolo or Plan de Corones, even if it is a time trial, it is a hard one. "


Dennis Menchov, last year's Tour winner, "I can do well in the climbs when my form is at its best. If I really want to go for the Giro win again, I will just modify my preparation to be in a position to win. I like the stages in the last week, the mythical ones, like Mortirolo and Gavia. "


Carlos Sastre, "It's a very attractive course with a final week with three consecutive stages of high mountains, and the legendary climbs of Gavia, Mortiriolo, Zoncolan and the time trial at Plan de Corones. I also like it because the time trials do not affect the race too much, the mountains will make the difference. You ask me if I will be in Amsterdam? I want to see the Vuelta course before deciding, but I like this Giro."


Team Sky Sports Director Scott Sunderland, "You will win the Giro in the mountains, but you will lose the Giro in the first three days of the race and the team time trial."


Photos: from the presentation


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st. with a final week with three consecutive stages of high mountains, and with so many legendary climbs such as Gavia, Mortiriolo, Zoncolan and the time trial at Plan de Corones. I also like because the timing does not affect too much the race, but will be increased to fund and make a difference. You ask me if I'm in Amsterdam? I want to discover the location of the Vuelta before deciding, but I like this Giro candle ...».


Team Sky Sports Director Scott Sunderland, "You will win the Giro in the mountains, but you will lose the Giro for the first three days of the race and the team time trial."


Photos: from the presentation


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Hardest Climbs of the 2010 Giro d'Italia

Hardest climbs of the 2010 Giro d'Italia:


Stage 8: Chianciano-Terme-Terminillo 189 km 189: Terminillo max height 1672 meters, 16.1 long, 1172 meters of altitude gain, average grade 7.3%, max grade 12%


Stage 14: Ferrara-Asolo km 201: Monte Grappa, (max height 1675 meters, 18.9 Km long, 1501 meters of elevation gain, average grade 7.9%, max grade 14%


Stage 15: Mestre-Monte Zoncolan km 218: Monte Zoncolan max height 1730 meters, 10.1 Km long, 1200 meters of elevation gain, average grade 11.9%, max grade 22%. Read a ride story of the Zoncolan here.


Stage 16: San Vigilio di Marebbe-Plan de Corones, individual TT of 12.9 km; Plan de Corones max height 2273 meters, 12.85 km long, 1086 meters of elevation gain, average grade 8.5%, max grade 24%


Stage 17: Brunico-Peio Terme km 173: Passo delle Palade max height 1523 meters, 18.9 km long, 1242 meters of elevation gain, average grade 6.6%, max grade 16%


Stage 19: Brescia-Aprica km 195: Aprica max height 1173 meters, km 13.95 km long, 503 m of elevation gain, average grade 3.6%, max grade 15); Trivigno max height 1608 meters, 11 km long, 838 m of elevation gain, average grade 7.6%, max grade 14%; Passo del Mortirolo max height 1854 meters, 12.8 km long, 1317 m of elevation gain, average grade 10.3%, max grade 18%


Stage 20: Bormio-Ponte di Legno Tonale km 178: Forcola di Livigno max height 2315 meters, 18 km long, 1278 m of elevation gain, average grade 7,1%, max grade 13%); Passo di Gavia (Cima Coppi) (max height 2618 meters, 24,9 km long, 1399 meters of elevation gain, average grade 5,6%, max grade 14%); Passo del Tonale max height 1883 meters, 11 km long, 631 meters of elevation gain, avergae grade 5.7%, max grade 10%. Gavia ride story here.


Note: some of the above stages also include lesser climbs(!).


Photo: on the Zoncolan


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Verona: Proud to Host The Finish of the Giro d'Italia

"We are proud to be the choice of the organizers for conclusion of the next Giro d'Italia in Verona. The Arena (ed. note: the Roman coliseum in Piazza Bra) is a setting worthy of the event, and the city of Verona will be up to the task of hosting such an important event." These are the comments by Mayor Flavio Tosi to the news that Verona and its Arena will be hosting the final stage of the 2010 Giro d'Italia.


Verona Sports Counselor Federico Sboarina added, "May 30, 2010, will be a great day for Verona and for sport in the city which falls 26 years after the historic 1984 edition won by Francesco Moser."


Photo: aerial view of the Arena, Piazza Bra, Verona


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

2010 Giro d'Italia Stages

Damiano Cunego summed up the race as, "A very classic Tour of Italy in the final week that has the difficult, and Legendary, mountain stages." These include: Mortirolo, Zoncolan, Monte Grappa, Plan de Corones and Gavia (Cima Coppi), and others in between! It will be a shattering week.


There will be three time trials (TT) And one team time trial (TTT).


Regarding Stage 11, race director Angelo Zomegnan said, "President Napolitano asked us not to leave the people affected by the earthquake alone so we will go there."


Verona will indeed host the the Giro finish but contrary to rumors will also begin in Verona. The tour will conclude with an individual TT, from Piazza to Piazza Bra Bra with a climb and descent on the Torricelli Which Overlooks Verona (the course was used for the 2004 World Championships but next year it will be run in reverse). The internships as announced at today's presentation:


Stage 1: Saturday, May 8 2010
Location: Amsterdam
Distance: 8.4 km TT


Stage 2: Sunday, May 9 2010
Location: Amsterdam - Utrecht
Distance: 209 km


Stage 3: Monday, May 10 2010
Location: Amsterdam - Middelburg
Distance: 209 km


Rest day: Tuesday, May 11 2010
Location: Savigliano


Stage 4: Wednesday, May 12 2010
Location: Savigliano - Cuneo
Distance: 32.5 km TTT


Stage 5: Thursday, May 13 2010
Location: Novara - Novi Ligure
Distance: 168 km


Stage 6: Friday, May 14 2010
Location: Wertheim - Marina di Carrara
Distance: 166 km


Stage 7: Friday, May 15 2010
Location: Carrara - Montalcino (Eroica gravel roads will be used)
Distance: 215 km


Stage 8: Sunday, May 16 2010
Location: Chianciano - Monte Terminillo
Distance: 189 km


Stage 9: Sunday, May 17 2010
Location: Frosinone - Cava de 'Tirreni
Distance: 188 km


Stage 10: Tuesday, May 18 2010
Location: Avellino - Bitonto
Distance: 220 km


Stage 11: Wednesday, May 19 2010
Location: Lucera - L'Aquila
Distance: 256 km


Stage 12: Thursday, May 20 2010
Location: Città Sant'Angelo - Porto bearing
Distance: 191 km


Stage 13: Friday, May 21 2010
Location: Porto bearing - Cesenatico
Distance: 222 km


Stage 14: Saturday, May 22 2010
Location: Ferrara - Asolo (Monte Grappa)
Distance: 201 km


Stage 15: Sunday, May 23 2010
Location: Mestre - Zoncolan
Distance: 218 km

Rest day: Monday, May 24 2010
Location: Friuli


Stage 16: Tuesday, May 25 2010
Location: San Vigilio - Plan de Corones
Distance: 12.9 km TT


Stage 17: Wednesday, May 26 2010
Location: Brunico - Pejo Spas
Distance: 173 km


Stage 18: Thursday, May 27 2010
Location: Levico Terme - Brescia
Distance: 151 km


Stage 19: Friday, May 28 2010
Location: Brescia - Aprica
Distance: 195 km


Stage 20Saturday, May 29 2010
Location: Bormio - Passo del Tonale
Distance: 178 km


Stage 21Sunday, May 30 2010
Location: Verona
Distance: 15.3 km TT


TOTAL: 3,418.1 km (3418.1 km or in Italian)

Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story, contest ends October 31st.

Video Feed for Giro d'Italia Presentation

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 24th, is the presentation of the 2010 Giro d'Italia beginning at 1630 (local time in Italy; 1030 USA Eastern). Check http://www.cyclingfans.com/ for live video feeds. RAI will be broadcasting the presentation via their website but I think for most people going to cyclingfans will be simpler.


Above is a version of the rumored stages (click to enlarge). We will know soon enough!


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen: New Face of Giro d'Italia 2010

Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen will be the new face of Giro d’Italia 2010. Tomorrow, October 24th, she will be a special guest for the live presentation on RAI 3 and Gazzetta.it. She will announce where Giro d’Italia will finish at Sunday, 30 May, 2010.


Yolanthe is very delighted about her cooperation with RCS Mediagroup and to be the new face of Giro d’Italia. “The meaning of this event is very important for all Italians.....it gives me a great opportunity to be introduced to Italy. This event has always be a great inspiration for a me. And, now I will be part of it and that’s a great honor for me.”


Thanks to Carlo v. from the Netherlands (where Yolanthe is very popular) for the story. Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Ernesto Colnago Isn't Going to be Amused

Ernesto Colnago will not be amused when he sees this. "Colnago" branded bikes in a Walmart-type chain in Mexico (Mexico uses the $ sign for its peso currency).



Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Bbox Bouygues Telecom to Ride Colnago

Bbox Bouygues Telecom's manager, Jean-Rene Bernaudeau, has announced that the team will be riding Colnago bikes next season. "Our new bike supplier is Colnago. It is a historic brand and very prestigious."

It will be nice to see the Colnago name back in at least one grand tour (the Giro d'Italia) after a period of absence.

Photo: new BBOX frame color scheme

Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Lance Armstrong to Not Race 2010 Giro d'Italia

Lance Armstrong tweeted today, "I've decided to ride the Amgen Tour of California in 2010. Can't wait.". With the Tour of California moving from February to May on the racing calendar next year the announcement signifies that Armstrong will not be racing in the Giro d'Italia. The Tour of California will be May 16-23; the Giro d'Italia will be May 8-30.


Photo: Armstrong in 2009 Giro d'Italia


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Unbeaten in the Giro d'Italia

Saturday, October 24th, is the presentation of the 2010 Giro d'Italia.


Trivia: Only two riders have won the Giro d' Italia every time they have entered: Bernard Hinault (1980, 1982 and 1985) and Alberto Contador (2008).


Photos: Hinault and Contador in pink


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

A De Rosa for Tomorrow's Champions

The De Rosa "Raga"was displayed at EICMA. The frame is full carbon and the geometry is designed for 24 inch wheels. Designed to be rigid to go fast but yet also comfortably. The components are a mix of Campagnolo and Miche. What kid wouldn't be proud to own it?


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Abbreviations for Italian Provinces

You may have noticed two letter abbreviations after a city name in some of my posts. Italy uses a system of two letter abbreviations to identify the province in which a village/town/city is located. Verona for example is typivally identified as Verona (VR) which signifies the city of Verona in the province of Verona. Below are the two letter abbreviations of all the provinces in Italy:

AG Agrigento AL Alessandria AN Ancona AO Aosta
AP Ascoli Piceno AQ L'Aquila AR Arezzo AT Asti
AV Avellino BA Bari BG Bergamo BI Biella
BL Belluno BN Benevento BO Bologna BR Brindisi
BS Brescia BZ Bolzano CA Cagliari CB Campobasso
CE Caserta CH Chieti CL Caltanisetta CN Cuneo
CO Como CR Cremona CS Cosenza CT Catania
CZ Catanzaro EN Enna FE Ferrara FG Foggia
FI Firenze FO Forlì-Cesena FR Frosinone GE Genova
GO Gorizia GR Grosseto IM Imperia IS Isernia
KR Crotone LC Lecco LE Lecce LI Livorno
LO Lodi LT Latina LU Lucca MC Macerata
ME Messina MI Milano MN Mantova MO Modena
MS Massa Carrara MT Matera NA Napoli NO Novara
NU Nuoro OR Oristano PA Palermo PC Piacenza
PD Padova PE Pescara PG Perugia PI Pisa
PN Pordenone PO Prato PR Parma PT Pistoia
PU Pesaro-Urbino PV Pavia PZ Potenza RA Ravenna
RC Reggio Calabria RE Reggio Emilia RG Ragusa RI Rieti
RN Rimini RO Rovigo RM Roma SA Salerno
SI Siena SO Sondrio SP La Spezia SR Siracusa
SS Sassari SV Savona TA Taranto TE Teramo
TN Trento TO Torino TP Trapani TR Terni
TS Trieste TV Treviso UD Udine VA Varese
VB Verbano VC Vercelli VE Venezia VI Vicenza
VR Verona VT Viterbo VV Vibo Valentia


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

The Dedacciai BOLD Prototype

The Dedacciai "BOLD" prototype was on display at EICMA. The frame is characterized by oversized everything with the exception of the chainstays which are titanium (click on image to enlarge).


Your thoughts?


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Fausto Coppi Artwork by Claudio Pesci

Fausto Coppi artwork by Claudio Pesci (via Calvart,73; 40129 Bologna). See more art and contact information at his website.

Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

RAI Voice Changing

There will be a new play-by-place voice on RAI for cycling beginning next season. After twelve years, and the being the voice of ciclismo, Auro Bulbarelli moves on to become a deputy director and head of the cycling division at RAI. Taking over for Bulbarelli will be Francis Pancani. Pancani has been providing reports during the Giro d'Italia from the RAI motorcycle.


Bulbarelli's last broadcast was from the Giro d' Lombardia.

Davide Cassani, the former professional, who has been working with Bulbarelli in the RAI broadcast booth will continue in his role.


Photo:Davide Cassani (left) and Auro Bulbarelli in a RAI broadcast booth


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Casati Arte

The Casati "Arte" might easily pass for something that it is not. It is in fact a titanium and carbon fiber frame in which all the transitions from one material to the other are seamless with no unevenness. The tubes and rear triangle are carbon fiber joined to titanium lugs. All cable routing is internal.


Each Arte is custom made to measure and includes a fork (full carbon 1 1/8"), seatpost, steam and headset.


Casati is celebrating their 90th anniversary this year and have a special edition frame available.


Photos: Casati Arte at EICMA; photos from the Casati website


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

A Visit to Ciöcc for a Restoration

In this video Rory takes his 1973 Ciöcc to Giovanni Pelizzoli, founder and framebuilder of Ciöcc frames, to be restored.


At the beginning of the video Giovanni explains that Ciöcc was the nickname of both his grandfather and father and that he decided to use it as the name for his frames. Furthermore, he says that the name means nothing but did bring him good fortune. A Ciöcc was used by Claudio Corti to win the 1977 U23 World Championship at San Cristobal, Venezuela, hence the name of their signature model.


At the end of the video his son, Samuel, talks about how the frame will be painted and that the fork will be sent out for chroming.


Cicli Pelizzoli is located on via Enrico Fermi in Curno (BG). Website: http://www.pelizzoligion.it/



Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

Randonnèe "delle Foglie Morte"

As the Italian cycling season concludes, with the last major granfondo and pro-race already having taken place, the last long distance randonnèe is also on the October calendar.


The Randonnèe "delle Foglie Morte", 192 km, is scheduled for October 25th beginning in Samarate (VA). The event is organized by ASD CICLI TURRI CARRERA of Varese.



Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.

2009 Giro di Lombardia

The Giro di Lombardia, also known as the "Race of the Falling Leaves", which concludes the pro-racing calendar in Italy was won by Belgian one-day specialist Philippe Gilbert. Damiano Cunego could not obtain his 4th victory in the race (his third in a row). Gilbert, arriving with Samuel Sanchez at the finish, was just too strong in the dual sprint. Russian rider Alexandr Kolobnev won the sprint behind for third place seven seconds later while Cunego finished 14th.


World Champion Cadel Evans worked hard for Gilbert on the final climb of the day, the San Fermo della Battaglia, which set-up Gilbert for his victory. On the other hand, Cunego failed for what he believes was lack of team Lampre support. "I need someone there to help me, I practically did it all on my own," Italy's Cunego told La Gazzetta dello Sport.


Photos: the peloton with Cadel Evans passes the Ghisallo chapel, the route takes riders along Lake Como, Gilbert attacks on San Fermo della Battaglia (Bettini photos); Gilbert wins the dual sprint (photo by Sirotti)


Stories, including cycling trip stories, for the Italian Cycling Journal welcome; contact veronaman@gmail.com. See here for a chance to win a T-shirt for submitting a story; contest ends October 31st.