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 itspeso 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.

2009 Granfondo Italia

Held in Carpi, near Modena, on October 10, 2009, the Granfondo Italia is traditionally the last big granfondo of the season. This granfondo is limited to 2,500 riders all of which must have the "sportiva agonistica" license; the competition license is obtained after passing a stress test monitored by a sports doctor.


The Granfondo distance is 142.5 Km and the Mediafondo is 99 Km. It's a well organized granfondo and one that I found very intense due to the very high speeds on the long flat sections and nasty crashes. The men's granfond winner finished in 03.23.12, the women's in 03.54.25.


A very nice aspect of this race is the possibility to take a tour that includes visits to Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati.


Photos: courtesy of Franco Marchesi


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.

Granfondo Felice Gimondi, "La Felice Gimondi"

The 15th edition of the Granfondo Felice Gimondi will be moving to April in 2010 from its traditonal start in May. The Alpini are having their national convention in Bergamo the 8th and 9th of May forcing the change. The granfondo will be held on April 25th.


The official name of the granfondo is also being permanently changed to "La Felice Gimondi". The three courses of 95.7 km, 134.5 km and 165.3 km will remain the same.


In 2011 the granfondo will return to May, on Sunday, 9 May.


Photo: Felice Gimondi recently; photos from 2009 event


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.

"Giro, salite storiche. Milano in castigo"

Italian newspaper LA STAMPA's headline for today, "Giro, salite storiche. Milano in castigo" (Giro, legendary climbs. Milan punished).


The story confirms that the finish of the Giro d'Italia will be in Verona. More from the story:


Milan will conspicuously snubbed by the 2010 Giro, which in the history of the Corsa Rosa has almost always been the scene of the final stage. Milan will be completely ignored and thus not even host a stage finish. The rift between the RCS Sport, which organizes the Giro, and administrators of the Lombard capital has not been repaired.


Last year Milan showed little love for cycling, the Giro almost bearable (which then saw the rider's protest on Stage 9, considered too dangerous by the riders) and which became impatient with the start of Milan-Sanremo two months earlier (traffic police ticketed official race cars parked at Castello Sforzesco). It gave sufficient reasons to convince the organizers of the Corsa Rosa for a change of scenery.


Beginning in Amsterdam on Saturday, 8 May, the Giro will move to Italy after three days (with a charter flight to Turin or Levaldigi, in the Cuneo) to resume - with no day off for the journey - with the 4th stage in Cuneo, probably a team time trial.


Stage 5 will be in memory of Girardengo and Coppi (50 years after the death of the great Fausto), departing from Novara (after another short transfer) and arriving in Novi Ligure in front of the Museum of Champions.


A transfer will take the Giro to Liguria with the stage passing the Tuscan cities of Carrara, then expected to reach Siena, perhaps Florence (on the tenth anniversary of the death of Gino Bartali) and Grosseto. Then the Giro will go down to the Lazio and Campania regions (Cava dei Tirreni and Avellino).


From here the Giro will point towards the Adriatic Sea with a finish in Bari, probably Bitonto. This will be followed by a start in L'Aquila in memory of victims of the recent earthquake. The Giro will then scale the Terminillo climb (perhaps twice) and pass Porto Recanati, Pesaro, Cesenatico (to celebrate Marco Pantani), and Ferrara.


The Giro will then reach the mountain stages in the last 9 stages. Returning are the legendary climbs that will decide the final rankings: Monte Grappa, Zoncolan, Plan de Corones (time trial from San Vigilio), Mendola, Aprica, Mortirolo, Santa Cristina, Gavia, Tonale.


Then the big surprise: a time trail from Soave to Verona just as in 1984 when Francesco Moser snatched the pink jersey at the last minute from Frenchman Laurent Fignon. (ed. note: the 1984 finished within the L'Arena at Piazza Bra).



The next edition, if our anticipations are confirmed, may prove to be really tough, both for the presence of so many steep climbs and for the numerous transfers.


Photo: Piazza Bra in Verona with L'Arena; Piazza Bra in Verona at night viewed from L'Arena


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.

ELECTRA Brings Back Campagnolo Memories

David from Canada brought to my attention these new hubs by ELECTRA, a California company. The high flange hubs look very much like the Campagnolo C-Record "sheriff" hubs. These have a modern cassette body for Shimano/SRAM. Nice attention to detail with the curved handles on the skewers.


The hubs will be available as an after-market product.



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.

Barza Design

Stefano Barzaghi is Barza Design, well known in the cycling and moto world for his airbrush painting work. He has created custom paint bike designs for Bettini, Bennati, Paolini, Pozzato, Pellizotti, Di Luca, Visconti, Rogers and Mario Cipollini.


Barzagi is often called after a victory to prepare a bike for the following day. You can see a gallery of his work here. He has also done many helmets.


Photos: Pozzato's polka dot Cannondale, Cipollini and Bettini bikes by Barzaghi


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.

Italian Bikes at Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii

I found the bike, group, and wheel counts undertaken by Triathlete Magazine at the 2009 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, interesting and surprising. Certainly, there are some opportunities for the Italian manufacturers to make inroads. Here are the results:



Bike Count (last year’s totals in parentheses)
Cervelo – 462 (415)
Scott – 109 (103)
Specialized – 93 (66)
Felt – 92 (89)
Trek – 90 (103)
Kuota – 85 (117)
Cannondale – 68 (68)
Orbea – 56 (68)
Kestrel – 54 (35)
QR – 52 (79)
Argon 18 – 43 (less than 10)
Giant – 40 (51)
Look – 39 (48)
Guru- 28 (27)
Pinarello – 26 (19)
Ceepo – 24 (less than 10)
Isaac – 18 (26)
Litespeed – 18 (35)
Stevens – 15 (less than 10)
Elite – 15 (less than 10)
Cube – 12 (13)
Beyond Fabrications – 12 (less than 10)
Ridley – 12 (less than 10)
Colnago – 12 (less than 10)
Serotta – 11 (less than 10)
Storck – 10 (less than 10)
Canyon – 8 (less than 10)
Blue – 8 (less than 10)
Planet X – 8 (less than 10)
Griffen – 7 (less than 10)
Jamis – 7 (less than 10)
Aegis – 7 (less than 10)
Fuji – 6 (less than 10)
Softride – 6 (less than 10)
BMC – 6 (13)
Calfee – 5 (less than 10)
BH – 5 (less than 10)
Principia – 4 (13)
Parlee – 4 (less than 10)
Willier – 4 (less than 10)
Time – 3 (less than 10)
Cheetah – 3 (less than 10)
Merlin – 3 (less than 10)
Teschner – 2 (less than 10)
Titan Flex – 2 (less than 10)
DeRosa – 2 (less than 10)


Component Group Count
Shimano - 1360
Sram - 289
Campagnolo - 107
Other - 8



Wheel Count (includes aero wheels only)
Zipp – 1936
Hed – 229
Mavic – 165
Xentis – 134
Bontrager – 100
Reynolds – 63
Shimano – 48
Corima – 37
Campagnolo – 35
Easton – 34
Lightweight – 29
SRAM – 23
Planet X – 22
Rolf – 17
Nimble – 17
Edge – 13
Ceepo – 11
Fulcrum – 6
Other – 212 (Includes unidentifiable wheels plus wheel count of less than five)


Photo: 2009 event photo, Cervelo P4


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.

2010 Tour de France Routes

Giro d'Italia director Angelo Zomegnan has praised the design of the 2010 Tour de France saying, "It is a more complicated course than the past, and more demanding. There's the Tourmalet, the celebration of 100 years since its introduction into the Tour de France." It will be the second time since 1974 that a stage will finish on the Col du Tourmalet.


Rider Octave Lapize is noted for looking at Tour officials on the climb of the Col du Tourmalet in the 1910 Tour de France and yelling, "Vous êtes des assassins! Oui, des assassins!' (French for 'You are murderers! Yes, murderers!')".


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.

Training for Endurance

Thomson Bike Tours published the following article on training for endurance to prepare for a European tour in the mountains. Good advice if you want to enjoy yourself and not suffer so much.



Training for Endurance:



Pick a target event. Let's assume for the sake of discussion your trip is in mid-July. You'll want to begin doing weekly long rides (50-60 miles or so) sometime round about mid-April. If you already have a good base (i.e., you put in a lot of endurance mileage the previous year but have been off the bike all winter), then you can start with some confidence that your base mileage will come easily and with little risk of injury. If, however, your fairly new to longer rides over challenging terrain, then you'll want to start with somewhat shorter rides, so that come May through June you'll be ready to increase the distance and time on the bike.


A caveat: be patient with building the base, lest you incur injury or mental fatigue by doing too much too soon. 60 miles should be a good starting point (50 perhaps if you're a little behind the curve due to harsh winter conditions or a heavy work schedule). Increase your ride time/distance by 10-15% each week. By June you should be fairly "comfortable" doing 90 plus miles (I say comfortable, but what I really mean is that you shouldn't feel excessively challenged by the effort).


In early to mid-June you should implement some back-to-back long rides (2 x 90 + miles). This should prepare you well for the effort of multiple day endurance efforts. If time allows you can even do three rides in a row (e.g. 90, 90, and 75+) in the final three weeks before your event/trip, though you'll want to be sure to allow a week or so for some recovery from your endurance workouts in the 7-10 days before Day 1 of your trip.


Remember, recovery from endurance workouts takes a bit longer than it does when training more specifically for speed, strength or power, so you'll want to keep this in mind as your event approaches. Since we're speaking of training for endurance and not for "speed", your most important ride will be your week long ride(s). It is important not to mix your weekly endurance ride(s) with speed, strength and power workouts. Avoid the local group ride on these days.


Find a friend who likes to ride slowly (i.e., conversationally — yes, even uphill and on your favorite town-line sprints! ), and avoid those friends who insist on half-wheeling you). Here the idea is to train not only your muscles and your cardiovascular system (both of which likewise receive benefits from strength, speed and power workouts), but also to train your digestive system and your ability to use energy efficiently.


One can be the fastest cyclist in town for 50 miles, but if one's muscles can't make efficient use of efficient fuels (which is to say, fat), then one is likely to run out of gas before then end of the ride. This is doubly true for two day endurance efforts, and triply true for three day efforts, etc. By preparing your plan of attack systematically, you will not only increase your chances for success physiologically, but psychologically as well.


The key is to build up the miles slowly and consistently!


Photo: Col du Tourmalet to be used in the 2010 Tour de France in the last week


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.

Passoni....More

Reader Marcello sent some photos of other Passoni models that were recently on display at Eurobike. The Passoni Xx model was previously written about here.


The complete Passoni lineup can be seen at their website.

Photos: by Marcello of www.bikeadelic.blogspot.com


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.

Thinking of Living in Italy?

Have you dreamed of living in Italy, or staying for a long period? If so, here is some high-level information as to what is involved. Getting to Italy is a lot harder than most would expect! Note: The following pertains to non-EU citizens; EU citizens have laws specific to them (and which make stays in Italy infinitely easier). There are also situations where the following might not apply, as an example, a non-EU citizen traveling with/staying with an EU citizen spouse. Also note that regulations are constantly changing. You should always check your consulate's website for the latest information and consult with them if you have any questions.


Currently, U.S. and Canadian travelers are granted an automatic 90 day stay from the time you enter the EU (other non-EU citizens should check travel regulations). You should be certain your passport is stamped upon entering the EU (under local laws, travelers without a stamp in their passport may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if unable to do so). This 90 days is the maximum number of days you can stay within the entire EU out of any 180 day period. You will need to be out of the entire EU for 90 days for every 90 in.


If you plan on staying longer than 90 days the situation becomes much more complicated: you will need to obtain an actual visa that is stamped in your passport. Visas cannot be obtained in Italy, they must be obtained from the consulate that serves the area in which you are resident. Although there are many visa types the most commonly issued are: elective residence, student and work.


Elective Residence visa-
This type of visa allows entry in Italy for aliens who intend to take up residence in Italy and who are able to do so, and to support themselves autonomously, without having to rely on employment in Italy, whether it is as a dependent employee or as a self-employed worker (or home country for that matter).


Student Visa-
Requirements for admission to schools, and visa issuance, varies according to the study program.

Work Visa-
Three types of work visas: dependent work, independent (autonomous) work, and performing arts work. To get a dependent work visa you will need to first find a job and then the company that hires you will have to supply many documents to help you get the visa. If you are planning on getting an independent work visa there are many more problems entailed, most notably the quotas on how many in each business sector.


Once you arrive in Italy with your visa you must apply for your "Permesso di Soggiorno" (Permit to Stay) within eight days from your arrival in Italy. This is the only legal document which legitimizes your stay in Italy.


Then, there is the process for obtaining your Carta d'Identita.....


and, on and on....


If you are interested in learning more about the "expat" life in Italy, or have questions you like to ask of expats I can suggest reading, and joining, the http://www.expatsinitaly.com/ forum.

Lastly, be aware that there are possibilities of expulsion, fines, and being prevented from re-entering Italy if you stay illegally.


Photos: an Italian "visto" (visa) which is affixed to a passport


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.

L'Eroica and the Giro d'Italia

Gerard von Dongen, from the Netherlands, has sent a link to his collection of photos from the 2009 L'Eroica, a few of which are pictured above. Gerard also has a series of stories about his participation on his Dutch blog.


The first photo above includes Americo Severini, in the Italian national champion colors, who was the cyclocross champion in 1956, 1961, and 1963; and, at the World Championships a silver medal in 1958 and bronze medals 1955, 1959, and 1965.


The L'Eroica has already spawned the Monte Paschi Eroica professional race on the strade bianche and now comes news that the 2010 Giro d'Italia will have a stage using the same roads. The official route of the 93rd Giro d'Italia will be presented October 24th in Milano.


Photos: by Gerard von Dongen


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.

The Return of Clément Tires

The legendary Clément name in cycling tires is returning. Donnelly Sports is now the licensee of the Clément brand from Pirelli SA, Milano, Italy.


The first tire coming to market will be a 32mm cyclocross design which will be followed by road clinchers this year in 700x25 & 700x28. These will be followed by tubulars in 2010. As to where the tires will be made the General Manager Donn Kellogg of Donnelly Sports said, "Where will the tires be made? The world is a large place with a lot of options and we will look at the right vendor for the job. It may not just be Thailand, Taiwan or Europe. We hope to truly surprise some people."


The Company's website is www.clementcycling.com (currently under construction).


Photo: the new logo


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.

The Sick Thing: Scanuppia + Malga Palazzo from Besenello, Part II

In September I reported about the Scanuppia climb. This video gives a better appreciation of this incredibly steep road. Enjoy!:




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.

Passoni

Passoni, which specializes in building Ti bikes, always brings something interesting to EICMA. The Xx model, above, is made from grade 9 titanium and high modulus H7000 carbon. As pictured the complete bike, inclusive of a 45 function Rox 9.0 cyclo computer system, the complete bike weighs 6,56 kg (14.46 lbs).



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.

L'Eroica by Blufreccia

Blufreccia is an Italian firm specializing in sports travel, and have they tour packages for L'Eroica. If you are thinking about a trip to L'Eroica next year you should certainly consider them. Contact information is info@blufreccia.com.


Photos: 2009 L'Eroica photos by Blufreccia



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.

L'Eroica in Sepia

Dan Patitucci, sports enthusiast and professional photographer, visited the L'Eroica finish to take in the atmosphere. Dan writes, "If you love cycling, this is something not to be missed. There is little doubt that next year I will return, but I’ll be lined up in wool kit, hairnet and straddling a 12kg bike."


Visit Dan's DolomiteSport website, http://www.dolomitesport.com/, to see more of of his photography.


Photo by Dan Patitucci


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.

Casati 90th Anniversary Oro

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, 1920-2010, Casati has created the "Oro" (Gold) model. The lugs (headtube), chainstays (2), and fork are finished in 24k gold.


A 90th anniversary bike in carbon is also offered.



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.

Verona to Host Giro d'Italia Finish

After years of campaigning it appears that Verona has finally wrestled the finish of the Giro d'Italia from Milano. cyclingnews.com is reporting that an Italian source has revealed that the finish will be in Verona.



Photo by me: Verona sunset



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.

Milano to Lose Giro d'Italia Finish

Reportedly, Milano will lose the finish of the Giro d'Italia. The Giro d'Italia has finished in Milano (Milan) every year since 1990 with the exception of last year's 100th anniversary edition in which it ended in Rome.


More to come later in the day......

Presentation of the 2010 Giro d'Italia

The presentation of the entire route for the 93rd Giro d'Italia will take place in Milan on Saturday, October 24th. The race will take place from 8 to 30 May, 2010. Last year was the 100th anniversary of the race, having first started in 1909, but the race did not take place during war years.

One of the themes of next year's race will be to commemorate Fausto Coppi who passed away 50 years ago, on January 2, 1960, at just past 40 years of age. Coppi won 22 stages and five overall victories in the Giro d'Italia (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953). He won two editions of the Tour de France, the World Championships, Milan-San Remo three times, and Paris-Roubaix.


Photo: 1949 - Fausto Coppi during his escape on the Cuneo-Pinerolo


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.

Gaerne: Limited Edition of 20 WC Cycling Shoes

The staff of Gaerne has presented Cadel Evans with a specially designed cycling shoe, featuring wallaby kangaroos and World Championship stripes, to commemorate his World Championship victory.


The Coste di Maser (Treviso) company will produce a limited edition of only 20 pairs.


Photo: the shoes Cadel Evans will be wearing as World Champion



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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Martin's 2009 L'Eroica Adventure, Part III

Martin Appel's report of his 2009 L'Eroica adventure concludes in Part III:


"On we go, up and down, but never flat, through the vineyards. I’m growing fond of my ride. Its sturdy, stiff, a breeze to handle, all together a delight! Then, somebody with a technical problem on the side of the road: A guy from somewhere up north threw the chain of his “Retrodirect”. Together, we try to solve the brainteaser puzzle: Why are there 3 knots in the chain, and why does it pass the chainstay on the outer side? The owner finally decides to spend a few minutes in contemplative meditation, so I admit defeat, wish him luck and go my way.



Then, a mishap on my side: The freewheel I serviced just a week ago decides to disintegrate; more precisely: the cup went loose. At least I noticed it before any significant number of balls can fall out. I can tighten it a bit with my Nr.4 Imbus, but not sufficiently – this means a pit stop for me every 2nd kilometer from now on.



My friend Andreas also fights the malice of the element: His replacement tire is very much not round at the valve area, and the tires aren’t exactly ideal to ride the gravel roads on to start with. Also, he has issues with the shifters and the toestrap pedals. So we decide to finish the route very slowly, to take it easy and we make a lot of foto stops. Even the Retrodirect rider catches up on us. I still have fun on the downhill sections though, I could grow really fond of my Rabeneick!



But who cares, if there is an event when time is no issue it's this one. We just let it roll and enjoy the ride, the atmosphere and the scenery.



At the finish line, there is again a lot of colourful things going on, the spectators are enthusiastic and every finisher is cheered on. I wonder if in 20 years time, today's pro jerseys will cause that much excitement?



Unfortunately, later we learn that one of the riders had a heart attack on route and couldn't be rescued. All festivities were cancelled. A sad ending to a great day.



In spite of that: The “L'Eroica” is truly a great event with an atmosphere second to none! It is highly recommended for anybody with a tiny bit of enthusiasm for the great days of cycle racing. This wasn’t the last time I was in Gaiole di Chianti on the first weekend of October for sure!"

Photos by Martin Appel: Mr. "Retrodirect" contemplates his situation, ride photos, the colorful finish area, Martin's Rabeneick



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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Martin's 2009 L'Eroica Adventure, Part II

Martin Appel's report of his 2009 L'Eroica adventure continues in Part II:



"Andreas hasn’t ridden his borrowed Patelli yet, and I haven’t sat on my “Rabe” for 2years. Position: unfamiliar. Brakes: they squeak as if they were the tortured antique pieces they are, but they seem to do their job. I don’t mind riding with toe straps as much as poor Andreas does. Shifting – well… I do have ten gears, but at a capacity of 50/47 front and 16/22 rear I’m beginning to have second thoughts about the ramps around this area. The trusty old Gran Sport shifts smoothly and precise, but somehow all gears feel the same way: hard.



We idly roll a couple of kilometers, have coffee in breathtaking scenery, wax philosophically about accommodation options for the coming years, and we test the “white roads”. I congratulate myself for my decision to put on the cross tires. My “Rabe” goes downhill like a tank! We see later that many of the more experienced riders did likewise. Andreas seems to have second thoughts about his narrow racing tires.



Tonight we hit the sack a bit earlier, after all tomorrow’s the Big Day. Our American friend Robin wants to ride to the start, which will give him an additional 25km per way on top of his already hefty 200km. Andreas and myself have opted for the 75km route, which is said to be the one with the most people and the best atmosphere. Apart from that, the two shorter distances only start after 8:30 – Robin plans his start at 4:00 in the morning – brrr!



As far as the local dog population allowed, we sleep well and arrive well awake, well fed and motivated in Gaiole on the Big Day. One of Andreas’ tires refuses service, but quickly a spare tire is stretched and glued in place – we are ready to go. Wool jerseys are seen all over the place, and some contemporary “ordinary” bikes with their riders in picturesque traditional costumes grace the village centre. The whole location has dressed up for the occasion, almost every shop displays a vintage bike or has a few wool jerseys decorated. Signore Chini, the village butcher, not only has a couple of jerseys hanging among his hams, but also displays his father's old delivery motorbike from 1953. He serves Chianti to the riders – “non per vendere, solo per amici”. It seems I’m one of his friends. Salute, there we go!



Slowly we get going. The warm air allows riding without arm or leg warmers even at 9 in the morning. The colourful field of riders supplies entertainment galore on the first few kilometers. Then, stylishly flanked by a portal, the entrance to the first gravel road! Quite steep, a narrow alley winds up towards a castle. A vintage Fiat Cinquecento labelled “Race assistance” passes us. Some riders already have to walk, but my “Rabe” does well except the occasional “autoshift” – the gear moves up a cog on itself. I don't mind much as this bike has to be ridden like a single speed anyway: Don’t think about gears, think about pedalling! The percentage is well in the two figures, nevertheless I reach the summit in the saddle. Some real heroes do the same on their prewar bikes.



Then the first descent on the lose road: It gets dusty, very dusty even. The brakes need a lot of pulling, but with the 32mm Challenge Grifo cross tire, I can descend like John Tomac. What did they invent Mountain bikes for? I pass uncounted participants, trembling downhill on their skinny 20mm-rubbers. Yippie! Also, the view gets very typical Tuscany-like: To the horizon hilltops with tree rows. I have plenty of time to admire this while waiting for my buddy, who is severely pneumatically challenged.



To be continued in Part III.



Photos by Martin Appel: riders at the start, the support car, my friend Andreas; images of riders on the "white roads"



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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Martin's 2009 L'Eroica Adventure, Part I

Martin Appel from Germany reports on his 2009 L'Eroica adventure this past weekend in Chianti.


"L'Eroica, the Mecca for every classic vintage racing addict, had missed me up to now, or I had missed it. An unbearable situation! Now in 2009, finally no other obligations were in the way, the holiday balance still offers a few hard earned free days, and my friend Andreas’ enthusiasm supplies the necessary momentum. Gaiole in Chianti is our goal! Quick we arrange for a hotel room and post our registrations.


On the Friday before the race we load my trusty Granfondo bike carrier, the Passo di Brennero is quickly left behind and Zucchero’s “cosi celeste” soaks out of the stereo’s speakers. L'Eroica, here we come! We don’t carry a Bianchi, but my ‘61 Campagnolo equipped Rabeneick, Andreas’ borrowed Patelli Super Corsa with panto’ed Super Record and a modern cross bike we brought to explore the “strade bianche”, the dreaded gravel roads that are very common in the Tuscany and make up a major part of the course.


We manage to find our hotel and it even looks like its picture on the online booking service if you disregard the nuclear power plant right behind it. Among the guests are several combatants from Germany, France, and even the US; Robin from Seattle rode his uncle’s Olmo from the Milan airport and intends to take on the 200km distance.


A tasty supper rounds up this day, mostly consisting of “porcinos”, a local speciality. We end the day having Chianti and grappa with Robin. The conversation slowly gets more fundamental, our English more fluent, the evening longer…


On (late) Saturday morning, we go to Gaiole. This pleasant little town is filled to the brim with antique bikes, parts dealers, officials, and first and foremost with enthusiasts wearing wool jerseys. Our late registration is dealt with easily, as are the minor technical issues (”where did my money transfer end up at?!”); it takes no time at all, then we are proud owners of our starting numbers. I “register” my bike. This service is 20.-€ extra, and while the purpose remains unclear, it is a nice opportunity to meet some enthusiasts from all countries represented and to admire many stunning bikes. Also, I meet a lot of friends from real life as well as the Internet.


Then I ambush the parts market. Need a Molteni Jersey? No problem. A vintage derailleur? We have everything from a 1st generation Super Record to a Huret Champion in rusty or decent condition, also there is a Campagnolo Parigi Roubaix for sale. A Castorama Musette? A NOS Zeus or Mavic gruppo? Rubber hoods for Campy levers? We have them. Knitted Gloves? Leather shoes? Pick your size, signori. And of course complete bikes from restoration object to show condition, there seems to be nothing that isn’t available! A collectors paradise!



With an effort, i manage to restrain myself and escape with my bag only moderately full (and my pockets only moderately emptied). Overwhelmed of my own show of will power, me and Andreas have some Pasta and Chianti in the afternoon sun, then saddle or bikes for a first reconnaissance ride."


To be continued in Part II.


Photos by Martin Appel: Martin's 1961 Rabeneick, having a glass of Chianti wine, a Hetchins, drillium rear derailleur on a De Rosa, images from parts market


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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

San Patrignano

The San Patrignano story is an unusual one. San Patrignano is, first, a community that welcomes all young men and women who have serious drug abuse problems, regardless of ideology, social background, or religion, and completely free of charge, accepting no payment or funding from their families or the Italian government. Since 1978, San Patrignano has taken in over 18,000 people, offering them a home, health care, legal assistance, and the opportunity to study, learn a job, change their lives, and regain their status as full members of society.



Teaching a job to its guests is one of San Patrignano"s fundamental principles. Through the years the community has developed several high quality activities: from agriculture and food production to training championship jumping horses, to breeding show dogs, from high quality printing to information technologies, and craftsmanship such as frame building.



Initially bikes and parts were produced for outside companies. The turning point came in 1999, thanks to the support and of Dario and Gianni Pegoretti. Today, Dario Pegoretti continues as their technical advisor and San Patrignano has its own brand of racing and touring bikes, and it is possible to order a custom frame.



To learn more visit the San Patrignano website: http://www.sanpatrignano.org/?q=en


Photos: a San Patrignano at EICMA 2009 in Milan


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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Campagnolo 12-29 Cassette for 11 Speed Announced

Campagnolo has announced that it will be making a new cassette featuring a 29 for the first time in the 11 speed gruppo. The cassette will be a 12-29. The 10 speed gruppos already included a 29, in a 13-29.


Climbers will be happy.



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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Cycling Racing Books Database by Wilms on Wheels

Wilfried Wilms writes in from Belgium saying, "I would like to draw your attention to my website which is mainly a comprehensive (but not exhaustive) database of books on professional cycle racing (published in English, French, Italian and German). It is a non-commercial site. It provides two entries for browsing through the book titles: by language (and subsequently by author) or by theme (e.g. biographies; or juvenile literature). Finally, the site also contains a collection of book reviews copied from the Web or taken from good old paper-based magazines.


I became passionate about professional race cycling in 1961 when I saw Rik Van Looy win his second world champion title. I began collecting books of my favorite sport in 2003. With a view to establishing a shopping list I undertook research on the net of books that are available on the market. As the list expanded steadily, I started playing with the idea of posting a comprehensive database on the Web."


The result is Wilms on Wheels Cycle Racing Books, http://www.wilmsonwheels.be/. Worth a visit, a very impressive undertaking.


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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

La Randonnèe del Tirreno

La Randonnèe del Tirreno was a 1000Km randonnèe held in June undertaken by the Randonneurs Campania. Featuring 9,500m of climbing it took riders from Sorrento to Tropeo and returned to Sorrento for the finish.


As one finisher said, "There are not 1,000 words to describe Sorrento-Tropea-Sorrento. Only by participating can you have the sensations and emotions which you will never forget."


Photos: Randonneurs Campania

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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Dave Brinton Illustrations

Dave Brinton, a lifetime cyclist and artist, began illustrating for Velo News in 1989. "I adopted the nom de plume Brintoni from the nickname my riding buddies had given me years before in deference to my love of all things Italian. I work primarily with quill pen and india ink on bristol board, scanning the finished drawing, and coloring it digitally in Adobe Photoshop." To order prints or make any other inquiry visit 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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

2010 Giro d'Italia Returning to Zoncolan

The 2010 Giro d'Italia is to very close to making the final decision to use the Zoncolan climb from Ovaro once again, as in 2007. Race director Angelo Zomegnan is to finalize his decision next week.

This is a very demanding climb, and one of the most difficult in Europe, usually compared to Spain's Alto de El Angliru. Monte Zoncolan has been featured in the men's Giro d'Italia twice so far. The first time was in Stage 12 of the 2003 Giro d'Italia, won by Gilberto Simoni, using the less difficult road from Sutrio. The ascent from Ovaro was featured for the first time in the 2007 Giro d'Italia and which Simoni also won.

The climb starts in Ovaro in the Gorto valley, and is 10.5 kilometres (6.5 mi) long at an average of 11.5% with an elevation gain of 1,210 metres (4,000 ft) and a maximum gradient of 22%. The real climb however starts at Liariis, 8.5 kilometres (5.3 mi) from the summit. Shortly after the village, the road disappears into forest and gains 900 metres (3,000 ft) in the next 6 kilometres (3.7 mi). After this section, the road passes through three short tunnels, before a series of steep switchbacks immediately beneath the summit. The former rough asphalt between Liariis and the tunnels was replaced in 2007; that between the last tunnel and the summit had already been resurfaced by autumn 2005. The tunnels are now lit.

Read the Italian Journal Cycling story here of two mere mortals riding the Zoncolan.

Photos by Sirotti: Di Luca and Cunego on the Zoncolan and tifosi, 2007 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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Ernesto Colnago's Master 55th Anniversary

Initially reported here, Ernesto Colnago is photographed at Interbike with one of his Master 55th Anniversary bikes. Ninety nine bikes will be made for worldwide distribution with 25 going to the USA and 25 to Japan. Price? $11,699.00.

Additional details of this elegant bike:

The Master 55th Anniversary features gold seatsays, chainstays, head tube lugs and a special Colnago headbadge made of platinum. Also:
-Super Record 11
-Colnago carbon tubular wheels

-Colnago integrated Deda stem/handlebar

-Colnago seatpost
-Colnago Selle San Marco carbon saddle
-Colnago bar tape
-Colnago headset

Video featuring the Master 55th from EICMA Bike Exposition (Milan):

Photo: courtesy PezCyling

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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

De Rosa, 1986 and 2009

Photos: 1986 De Rosa catalog; carbon construction process courtesy of Two Five Fix

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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

2010 Maratona dles Dolomites

The annual cycle of entering the Maratona dles Dolomites is about to commence! The first announcement from the organizers regarding the 2010 Maratona which will be held on July 4th:

PRE-ENTRY from October 15th to November 5th 2009! The pre-entry can be made exclusively online on our site http://www.maratona.it/ The drawing of the starting numbers, half of which will be for Italian participants and the other half for foreign participants, will take place in the second half of November 2009.The list of participants drawn will be published on-line afterwards. Read the conditions of entry 2010 published on our website http://www.maratona.it/info/enrolment/maratona/2009/en/
Please find the details of registration under "How to register at the race"http://www.maratona.it/info/how/register/the/en/

NO LUCK? No luck at the draws for 2008 and 2009? Don't worry, if you will not be extracted at the draw in November you will be readmitted to the race in July 2010. In fact all pre-registered participants not drawn at this year's draw, who were not lucky in the previous two editions (2008 and 2008) and had no starting right will be readmitted in the starting list of the 23rd Maratona dles Dolomites.

Holiday packages with guaranteed registration: As from 22nd October 2009 holiday packages including accommodation and guaranteed registration to the Maratona dles Dolomites will be offered by our official tour operator Holimites. These offers include the registration fee, accommodation in facilities of various categories beginning from a period of 4 days, along with different benefits for participants and their accompanying persons.

If you plan to stay 6 nights or more you will take part to the draw of a special racing bike Pinarello: http://bit.ly/4kPFAP

IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS:

-15th October to 5th November 2009: Pre-entry opening

-22nd October 2009: Availability of starting packages on-line on http://www.holimites.com/

-Second half of November 2009: draw(the list of participants drawn will be published on-line afterwards);

-25th November 2009: on-line availability of 150 starting numbers which surcharge will be assigned to charitable institutions;

-1st December 2009: first day for confirming the participation;

-25th March 2010: on-line availability of 150 starting numbers which surcharge will be assigned to charitable institutions;

-15th April 2010: last day for confirming the participation to the race in July and for paying

the balance

Committee

Maratona dles Dolomites

http://www.maratona.it/

Ed. note: The Maratona committee also has positions reserved in the Maratona through several bike tour companies; examples: in the USA: Granfondo Cycling Tours, in England: La Fuga

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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.

Dario Pegoretti Bikes at INTERBIKE, Las Vegas

A few of Dario's creations on display at INTERBIKE , the largest bike show in the U.S., this past week in Las Vegas.

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 ride story; contest ends October 31st.