Eddy Merckx Montage

Eddy Merckx won the Giro d'Italia five times. This excellent video montage shows Merckx in action, including several clips from the Giro. Music by? It's perfect. (note: SpinDoctor left this comment regarding the music, "Music is by Clint Mansell; from the Darren Aronofsky film Requiem for a Dream. He also did Smokin' Aces and The Fountain. Excellent usage here!")


In full size.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Jiro Belt Sale, 50% Off Black Belts in October

Jiro is having a month long, October, sale on their black belts made from tires. Many options in black but if you want something more colorful there are those also. For more details, and how to order click here.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Così Fan Tutte

Thus do they all.....Così fan tutte.

The disheartening news came late yesterday of Tour de France winner Alberto Contador failing a control carried out on July 21st for the substance clenbuterol during this year's Tour de France. July 21st was the second rest day, July 22nd Contador set up overall victory by finishing in the same time as Schleck on Stage 17 at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet.

Contador, at a press conference today in his hometown, blamed food contamination from beef a friend brought from Spain for dinner on July 20th and again on July 21st.

The UCI has formally and provisionally suspended Contador as is prescribed by the World Anti-Doping Code.

This morning also came news that Ezequiel Mosquera (and David Garcia Da Peña), who inspired fans in the battle with Nibali on the Bola del Mundo tested positive for Hydroxyethyl starch at the Vuelta a España on 16 September 2010.

With apologies to all those that are clean.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Geox-TMC Transformers Co-Sponsorship Agreement Signed

Geox and TMC Transformers announced todat that they reached an agreement with TMC Transformers to co-sponsor the team guided by Mauro Gianetti.

The three-year agreement, from 2011 to 2013 included, was signed on Sept. 27, 2010 at the TMC Italia headquarters in Busto Arsizio, Italy, between General Manager Mauro Gianetti and TMC Italia Chairman Andrea Colombo.

“We are very satisfied to have signed this agreement," said Andrea Colombo. "Cooperating with Geox is a further step for our company in using sports - and cycling in particular- to promote its brand. Passion for cycling has always been a part of our company, as proven by our 2009 sponsorship agreement with Mauro Gianetti’s team back then (FUJI-Servetto) and by our current partnership with the Italian Cycling Federation as well as our sponsoring some important cycling events. This partnership agreement with Geox makes us very proud. We share passion for sports, international market aims, high technological standards in design and production and a desire to always improve our results. We’re sure the GEOX-TMC Transformers team will well-represent the value of both sponsors, and that it will reward us with great results.”

“The agreement with TMC Transformers is another fundamental step to improve an already competitive, solid team," said General Manager Mauro Gianetti. "GEOX and TMC Transformers proved they strongly believe in cycling as a promotion vehicle for their brands. This medium-term project will also allow the team to grow organically year after year by hiring great young talents who will ride alongside a seasoned group of athletes.”

The team has already signed contracts with Dennis Menchov and Carlos Sastre.

Photo: (l-r) Mauro Gianetti and Andrea Colombo

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

2013 UCI Road World Championships Awarded To Florence

The International Cycling Union (UCI) met in Melbourne today, during the UCI Road World Championships.

During this meeting, the Management Committee allocated the following UCI World Championships:

• 2013 Road: Florence (Italy);
• 2012 Mountain Bike and Trials: Leogang-Saalfelden (Austria);
• 2010 Para-cycling (Track): Montichiari (Italy) ;
• 2011 and 2012 Para-cycling (Track): Los Angeles (United States).

"It's a victory for Italian cycling," said FCI President Renato di Rocco after the UCI meeting. Di Rocco said that Florence will organize the championships together with the Tuscan towns of Lucca, Montecatini Terme and Pistoia.

Florence (Firenze) began organizing its bid in April, 2009, and fulfils a dream of Alfredo Martini who has a life long association with cycling in Italy. As the C.T. (commissario tecnico) for the national team from 1975 to 1997 Italy won the road road world championships with Francesco Moser in 1977, Giuseppe Saronni in 1982, Moreno Argentin in 1986, Maurizio Fondriest in 1988, and Gianni Bugno in 1991 and 1992. Martini also won a stage of the Giro d'Italia in 1950.

Di Rocco added that the achievement of being awarded the event was dedicated to Franco Ballerini, the late Italian national coach who was killed in a car rally accident in February.



Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

2010 UCI Road World Championships

The 2010 UCI Road World Championships in Melbourne and Geelong – which begin on Wednesday with the Under-23 and Women’s time trial events – will undoubtedly be greeted with the same whole-hearted enthusiasm, even euphoria, which currently surrounds Australian cycling.

Situated on the bay of Corio, about 70km from Melbourne, Geelong – a small touristic spot which has already organized a round of the UCI Women Road World Cup – will be at the heart of the event.

Only the last race of these Championships, the one which will award the most coveted rainbow jersey of the week and which will be raced for the first time without the help of earpieces, will set off from Melbourne, before attacking the beautiful and demanding Geelong circuit which the riders will have to cover 11 times, for a total distance of 262,7km.

Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara, who will attempt to win his fourth title in the time trial event, Spain’s Oscar Freire, who dreams of becoming the first rider in history to win the World Championships road race four times, the Italian Filippo Pozzato, who won the “rehearsal” on Sunday in Ballarat, and the Belgian Philippe Gilbert are the main favourites – along with Britain’s Mark Cavendish and the Norwegian Thor Hushovd – to succeed Cadel Evans. Meanwhile the Australian will give his all in front of his own public in order to honour the gold medal he won in 2009.

In the women’s race, the person to watch could well be the German Trixi Worrack, who was victorious in the preparation race.

The schedules (local time, Melbourne/Geelong):
Wednesday, 29 September
Men U23 Time Trial, 31.8 km, 1000 to 1405; course details
Women Elite Time Trial, 22.9 km, 1500 to 1650; course details

Thursday, 30 September
Men Elite Time Trial, 45.8 km, 1300 to 1735; course details

Friday, 1 October
Men U23 Road Race, 159 km, 1300 to 1715; course details

Saturday, 2 October
Women Elite Road Race, 127.2 km, 1300 to 1635; course details

Sunday, 3 October
Men Elite Road Race, 262.7 km, 1000 to 1650; course details

All finish times are estimated

Check your local TV listings for coverage.

Note: the UCI has recently launched an iPhone app you can download to obtain the latest results, news and press releases for all cycling disciplines. The application is free of charge and can be downloaded from the iTunes Apple Store.

In Italy the RAI schedule is:

MERCOLEDÌ 29 SETTEMBRE
Raisport 2: ore 2.00/6.05 Mondiali Ciclismo da Melbourne diretta Crono Uomini Under 23; ore 7.00/8.50 Crono Donne Elite
Raisport 1: ore 14.45 differita Mondiali Ciclismo Melbourne

GIOVEDÌ 30 SETTEMBRE
Raisport 2: ore 5.00 Mondiali Ciclismo diretta Crono Uomini Elite
Raisport 1: ore 14.45 differita Mondiali Ciclismo Melbourne

VENERDÌ 1 OTTOBRE
Raisport 2: ore 5.00 diretta Mondiali Ciclismo Prova in linea Uomini Under 23
Raisport 1: ore 14.45 differita Mondiali Ciclismo Melbourne

SABATO 2 OTTOBRE
Raisport 2 e Raitre: ore 5.00/9.30 diretta Mondiali Ciclismo Prova in linea Donne Elite
Raisport 1: ore 12.00 differita Mondiali Ciclismo Melbourne

DOMENICA 3 OTTOBRE
Raisport 2: ore 1.00/8.10 diretta Mondiali Ciclismo Prova in linea Uomini Elite
Raisport 1: ore 10.00 differita Mondiali Ciclismo Melbourne

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

2010 ExpoBici Success; Rumors About EICMA Bici

This past September 20, after three show days Expobici 2010 closed its doors. It was only the third edition, but already Expobici is regarded as being the number one bike fair in Italy. However, EICMA Bici (of Milano)is rumoured to fight back with a remarkable new show concept at an even more remarkable timing.

Despite the fact that some of the biggest names from the Italian bike scene were not at the Padova Fiere for Expobici 2010; the Colnagos, Pinarellos, and the bigger import brands were hardly missed as the show broke all records. With the number of exhibitors more than doubling compared to the first edition and a visitor total increasing by over 60% this year, the show was in every aspect a mature bike event. Overall, Expobici doubled in floor space in order to host its 356 exhibitors. According to show organizer Padova Fiere, 35,650 visitors were recorded, a big increase on the 25,000 that attended last year.

One of the reasons spurring the success of this year’s Expobici is the fact EICMA cancelled its stand-alone bicycle show. For this year EICMA Bici is integrated into the Moto show. The 68th EICMA International Bicycle and Motorcycle exhibition will take place from November 2 to 7, 2010 at the new fairground in Milan.

When EICMA announced the cancellation of the 2010 stand alone EICMA Bici for September the show organizer stated: “Pending the launch of a new concept of the Italian EICMA bicycle show, the organizers have decided to move this year’s dates. The Milan bike show requires more to retain a leading position on the international market of bicycle shows. This consideration has prompted the development of a highly innovated project (for) which implementation has been scheduled for 2011.”

At Expobici rumours were circulating regarding how EICMA is to ‘retain its leading position’ as well as how this ‘highly innovated project’ will look like with which EICMA will respond to this year’s success of Expobici, and to changes at the US Interbike show.

It was said at Expobici that next year EICMA is to organize a bike event that is to take place in July. It was also rumoured that it will be a completely outdoor event at the Imola race circuit – a perfect venue for testing road racers and e-Bikes while the surroundings also offer ample tracks for MTB testing, as well as for the outdoor exhibition.

Source: Bike Europe

Photos: the Scott exhibit at ExpoBici, Ivan Basso signing autographs for fans

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Hugo Koblet, First Foreign Winner of the Giro d'Italia

It was at the 33rd edition of the Giro d'Italia in 1950 that Swiss rider Hugo Koblet became the first ever foreign winner.

A film about the life of Hugo Koblet, "Hugo Koblet – Pédaleur de charme", recently premiered at the Locarno Film Festival. The film synopsis: The Rise and Fall of Hugo Koblet, the James Dean of Swiss Cycling - Swiss cyclist Hugo Koblet is the first foreigner to win the Giro d’Italia in 1950. The son of a baker in Zurich’s working class district takes the world by complete surprise and shoots to fame. Women adore the handsome and worldly charmer, cycling aficionados revere him for his elegant riding and the press happily feeds on his numerous affairs. The following year he also wins the Tour de France. Before long his swift rise is put to an abrupt end by doping abuse that causes irreparable damage to his health. However, Koblet enjoys a couple more glamorous years at the Six Day race in Zurich and admits himself into society by marrying model Sonja Bühl. But all too soon the lavish womanizer is short of money and on the brink of a divorce when he crashes his sports car into a tree. It remains unsettled whether it was an accident or a suicide. Director Daniel von Aarburg depicts the larger-than-life story of Hugo Koblet with post-war archival footage, re-enacted key scenes and interviews with contemporary witnesses like his perennial adversary Ferdy Kübler.

The trailer:

In full size here.

Archive photos of Koblet:



The actor in the movie:


You can see a video of Koblet and Coppi battling for a stage victory in the Dolomites at the 1953 Giro d'Italia here.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Not Campagnolo Bora Wheels?

Here is Filippo Pozzato on his way to victory at the Sun Herald Cycling Classic today. The wheels say "Campagnolo Bora" but Campagnolo Bora wheels look like this:


What are they? A new wheel from Campagnolo, or another brand with Campagnolo Bora decals slapped on? If the latter, it's always disappointing to see this although I know it's an all too common occurrence.

Photo (race): by Bettini

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Pozzato Wins Herald Sun Cycling Classic

"Famously abstinent, Filippo Pozzato swept to a confidence-boosting victory in the Herald Sun Cycling Classic Ballarat as Fabian Cancellara and Simon Gerrans laid down important markers for the world road cycling titles this week.

Regarded as a playboy of the international peloton, Italian teaam captain Pozzato claims he has not had sex since breaking up with his girlfriend in May.

"Staying away from women isn't a problem for me at the moment. For the world championships I'm willing to make that sacrifice and lots of others," Pozzato said before arriving in Victoria.

"The end of my relationship was a difficult time and at the Giro I was sleeping for just two or three hours. I was a wreck."

The ploy appears to have worked.

Source: Herald Sun of Australia

Photo: Pozzato's tattoo...in case you hadn't seen it

Pozzato was part of a four-rider group to escape on the sixth of seven laps, eventually sprinting clear of Pole Maciej Bodnar, Chile's Carlos Oyarzun Guinez and Swiss star Fabian Cancellara after 130km in 3hrs 1min 9secs.

A stage winner at the grand tours of France, Spain and Italy, Pozzato delighted coach and dual world champion Paolo Bettini with a clinical ride.

The Italians are desperate to honour the memory of former national coach Franco Ballerini, who was killed in a car accident in February.

Bettini's squad traveled to Geelong in July for familiarization rides around the world title circuit.

Ballarat's Patrick Shaw was Australia's top-placed finisher yesterday.

"I was confident before this race because in the Vuelta (Tour of Spain), I was very strong," Pozzato.

"But it's important for the team to stick together, (to) do a race together without radio communication like we have to next week."

Gerrans, competing for the first time since abandoning the Tour of Spain, was satisfied with his 15th.

"I got exactly what I wanted to get out of it," he said.

"I kept putting myself up there with hard splits until that final climb.

"I stretched the legs and had a bit of a go."

Cancellara vindicated his decision to make a late entry into the race with a controlled fourth.

"It was the right choice to come here to this race," he said.

"I still have jetlag. For me, today was a long day. But I am happy."

Source: Herald Sun of


By the way, the Italian team rode 70 km to the start, raced 120 km, and then rode back 70km to their hotel.

Photo: Pozzato's tattoo, in case you hadn't seen it

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

New Laws for Cyclists

The "Codice della strada" (D.L. n. 285 del 1992) has been modified and goes into effect tomorrow, September 27th, throughout Italy.

The modification to the law establishes the requirements for cyclists to wear a reflective vest at night on rural roads, and the wearing of a reflective vest at all times when traversing a tunnel (galleria).

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

A Verona Built CONFENTE

If you are not familiar with the Mario Confente story you may wish to first read "Mario Confente, Part I" (Part II is text from a Confente brochure).

In March of 2008 I visited Mario's sister Gianna where I learned of Mario's racing career and eventual transistion into framebuilding.

This brings me to the point of this story. I knew that Mario Confente had built frames in Montorio (Verona) but I was never successful in finding one. A famous racer from Verona had also given me a copy of a Confente-Verona decal set so I suspected a bike such as this might exist.

With thanks to Mauro, who writes www.ciclorestauri.it (a website about vintage bikes and restoration) we now have photos of a Verona built Confente. Here is how Mauro tells his story:

"Sometimes life is really strange. I tried for so long to find a clue that would lead me to Mario Confente, someone who had known him in person, a small hint, but every time my research seemed vain. This is strange, I kept repeating to myself, because he lived just a few miles from my house. Maybe Mario still didn’t want to reveal his life to me.

Then one day, seemingly by coincidence, I read an article on the Montorioveronese.it website that switched my hopes back on. Maybe Mario had decided to reveal his most intimate story, through those he knew, loved and appreciated. Right after this, I met his sister Maria Gianna. Incredible, I even discovered she lived 200 meters from my house!

What next? Thanks to Maria Gianna I had the opportunity to meet Paolo. But who is Paolo?

Paolo is a man that is all integrity and substance and no exterior looks, a real man, a man of belonging to another time. Joy and liveliness pours out from his blue eyes and his every gesture. Paolo welcomed me into his house and property where he protects with love and care the story of his life, which is represented by bicycle frames, vintage motorcycles and bicycles, wheels, cups, gears, derailleurs, shirts, photographs. Bicycles of U. Dei, Bartali, Juventus, Chesini e. .... is “the bike”! A Confente! Guess what? It isn’t one of 135 Confente built in the U.S., this one was built in Montorio, for friends! It was built by Paolo and Mario. Yes you read right, Paolo had also worked with Mario.

Paolo did many jobs in his life and among his jobs he also built motorcycle frames for some important companies. This remarkable dexterity and skill, now allow him to build certain components with precision, which would otherwise be unavailable, bringing to life examples of human expertise. Inside Paolo’s workshop you breathe the history of the cycling and motorcycle production from the 40’s to the 80’s. His tools, even those strictly historical, are lathes, grindstones, clamps and anything else useful to a human hand to create or restore objects made of steel, steel like Paolo.

Paolo is as skinny as those who walking and cycling have worked so very hard. Paolo is fast and lively when going from one corner to another of his large room, to show me a picture, a wooden wheel that he is building and a bike that he is restoring.

Dear Paolo, I have very much to learn from you. I sincerely hope that our new friendship will be useful to keep alive the memory of an époque where the human being was bound to authentic creations, where virtual left space to imagination and creativity of the mind and soul.

Bye Paolo, until we meet again."

Paolo and the Confente built in Montorio immediately before the departure of Mario for the U.S.:










Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

"Michele Bartoli by Prestigio" Bicycles

Michele Bartoli has signed an agreement with Prestigio (translates to Prestige) to create a line of "Michele Bartoli by Prestigio" bicycles. In August, Prestigio announced frames that were designed in collaboration with the Turin design company Giugiaro Design.

The Managing Director of Prestigio, Giancarlo di Marco said, "It will be a superbicicletta: elegant and fast, produced in Italy, and made to measure in order to meet the needs of our customers."

Michele Bartoli added, "I am convinced that we will do important work and the result will be classy. The frame will be called "Michele Bartoli by Prestigio" and will reflect the performance in a bike that I demand. I know the needs of cyclists very well and I think am am able to to provide useful information to translate that into a bike that is "prestigious"."

Bartoli, now retired, was a single day race specialist. His major victories in his career were:
UCI Road World Cup (1997, 1998)
Giro d'Italia, 2 stages
Ronde van Vlaanderen (1996)
Liège–Bastogne–Liège (1997, 1998)
Giro di Lombardia (2002, 2003)
GP Ouest-France (2000)
Amstel Gold Race (2002)
La Flèche Wallonne (1999)
Tirreno–Adriatico (1999)
Züri-Metzgete (1998)
Omloop Het Volk (2001)

The following from "Great moments in Classics history – the Ardennes Classics" of www.cyclingnews.com:

1999 La Flèche Wallonne

'Soft' Bartoli wins hard race

The 1999 La Flèche Wallonne was held in tough conditions, with temperatures a chilly three degrees Celsius and rain complimented by snowfall. Michele Bartoli prevailed in those atrocious conditions but said that earlier in his career he would have ridden with less clothing, admitting that he had gotten a touch 'soft'.

Such toughness would never occur to Oscar Camenzind, who was wearing a vest until he figured it would be best to remove it for the finale. The only problem was Camenzind got his zipper stuck.

Bartoli and Maarten den Bakker waited for a while as Camenzind went to his car to get his clothing problem sorted out. Apparently scissors aren't part of the 'must have' toolbox in the team car.

Eventually Bartoli and Den Bakker couldn't wait any longer and reached the Mur de Huy together, without the Swiss dressman. Bartoli sprinted away on the steep climb, with pitches up to 25 percent, and won by a good dozen seconds.

After Camenzind's fixed his zipper problem, he continued by himself and almost held off the peloton behind. Only Mario Aerts was able to slip past the Swiss rider for third place.

Bartoli deserved the win as he was the strongest rider, having initiated the decisive three-man move on the second time up the Mur de Huy (out of three total ascents). Bartoli, Camenzind and Den Bakker worked well together and by the time Camenzind fell apart (or his clothing did, anyway) the gap was almost three minutes, some 50 kilometres from the finish.

1997 Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Bartoli brilliant in Liège

By the end of the 1996 season Michele Bartoli had cemented his place as one of the best one day racers in the world. However during the first World Cup races of 1997, the Italian failed to claim the next big win his palmarès cried out for, with a crash-effected Milan-Sanremo finishing in a bunch sprint and Rolf Sørensen stealing the show in Flanders. The pressure on the MG-Technogym rider's shoulders was building.

All that changed on a sunny April day in Liège. The scene was perfect, with the conditions combing with one of the most illustrious start lists any Classic from the era could hope for – Johan Museeuw, Mauro Gianetti, Laurent Jalabert, Marco Pantani, Rolf Sørensen, Alex Zülle and Chris Boardman. The real action began with 50 kilometres remaining, as the peloton reached La Redoute, one of the race's most historic and often influential climbs, and Bartoli's henchmen began to gather at the front. What ensued was one of the finest displays of tactical racing the event had seen.

It was the sparked by the bespectacled Zülle, who launched the first serious dig. He was quickly followed by Bartoli and Pantani and Jalabert, as the World Champion Museeuw and Sørensen were forced onto the back foot.

Pantani – still recovering from his horrific crash – was dropped as the trio pushed the gap out to a minute. Bartoli, now sandwiched between the ONCE teammate, and top two riders in the world played his cards majestically, first chasing attacks and then countering the Frenchman.

It was this counter that did Zülle in, his confidence now shot, as Bartoli pushed again, to consign the Swiss rider to 41st place. With the final kilometre now in sight, Bartoli looked across at Jalabert, who by now was unable or unwilling to make eye contact. Bartoli saw his moment and swooped, leaving the world number one and crossing the line alone in Liège.

Bartoli went on to lead the Giro d'Italia that year, but his career will always be associated with that day and the panache he displayed in beating two of the biggest stars in cycling.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Mario Cipollini's Newly Launched Website: MCipollini.com

Mario Cipollini has launched his new website for his MCipollini line of bikes and clothing: www.mcipollini.com. In Italian and English.

Two bikes are introduced, the RB1000 (the champion's bike)and the RB800 (the racing bike). They each are available in several color combinations. Cipollini is particularly proud of the fact that the frames are manufactured in Florence.

Cycling wear is also introduced for men and women.



If you missed Mario's leaked video go here.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Pinarello History

Giovanni Pinarello , the eight of twelve brothers, was born in Catena di Villorba in 1922. He was born at a time when life could be rather difficult, which was not uncommon, for many families ot the humble, and peasant backgrounds, in the rural farming areas of Veneto. The struggles of a simple farming life, as well as surviving the hardships of both World Wars, greatly effected an influenced the life of Giovanni Pinarello and his family. His impoverished and simple upbringing was not able to extinguish a passion Giovanni discovered he hard for the "Two Wheels".

With his determination and his love for the bicycle, Giovanni was able to make his dream come true. He made it possible to borrow whatever he needed to become part of the world of cycling. So at the age of seventeen, he began competing in the junior's category. Giovanni's dream soon became a reality and his passion began to bring him many victories. In 1947, after winning over sixty titles as an amateur, he became a member of the professional world of cycling. He was part of the professional cycling world until 1953, with five wins to his mention. With the end of this cycling career, the birth and realization of yet another of Giovanni's passions arose, the PINARELLO (the bicycle).

The making of the Pinarello began in Catena di Villorba, towards the end of the 1940's. The roots of Pinarello can be traced back to the beginning of WW II. This is when, at the age of fifteen, Giovanni began making bicycles at the factory of Paglianti. He continued making bicycles throughout his amateur cycling career. Bicycle manufacturing for the Pinarello family can be traced as far back as 1922, when Giovanni's cousin Alessandro was already making bicycles in a small factory. The beginning of this manufacturing was signified with a gold medal and a diploma in his recognition, given at the prestigious Milan Bicycle Fair of 1925.

In 1952 an opportunity presented itself to Giovanni Pinarello as a direct result of a major disappointment in his cycling career. The opportunity was for him to become an integral part of the very beginning ot the manufacturing world of bicycles in Treviso. The disappointment was that he had to give up his first love and passion, bicycle racing.

In 1952, Giovanni was presented with the dilemma of having to give up the chance to participate in the very prestigious Giro d'Italia. He was to be replaced to make way for the up and coming new star, Pasqualino Fornara. Giovanni had no choice in the matter. His sponsor, Bottecchia, offered him 100,000 Lire, a great deal of money for the times. That loss later became his fortune, career, and success, with the beginning and opening of the first and most renowned bicycle store in Treviso.

Pinarello was fortunate to be in a very economically prosperous area of Italy. This area was also synonymous with cycling and known for its manufacturing excellence. His intuition told him to take advantage of the opportunity that presented itself, and to be part of the world of team sponsorship. At first he began by helping to promote and advertise for small local teams. He also aided in the survival of the teams with whatever they needed to be able to participate in the competitive and expensive world of racing.

The first team to participate in a national competition with a Pinarello bicycle was la Padovani, in 1957. This marked the beginning of sponsoring many bicycle teams. Sponsorship was a very important and crucial vehicle in the recognition and promotion of the Pinarello name. It also helped to promote his bicycle store in Treviso.

In 1960 came the sponsoring of the first professional team, the Mainetti, which developed and produced many champion cyclists of the area. In 1966 the success of Guido de Rosso truly made a difference for Pinarello in the professional wordl of cycling. His victory in the Tour d'Avenir in France put the Treviso on the cycling map. This was the first international victory for Pinarello.

The first victory at the Giro d'Italia in 1975 by Fausto Bertoglio (Jolly Ceramica team), was another very important victory that boosted the fame and substance of the Pinarello reputation. After many years of team affiliations in the professional field, this was an instant and sensational result from the Jolly Ceramica team since their partnership only began in 1974. The final victory and other particular success at the Giro of 1975 were significant in putting the Pinarello name over the top. Until recently, Pinarello has never experienced such frame and notoriety. The name was now visible through the media having exposure through the television and began to be recognized for its exclusive artistic performance. The decade of the 80's proved to be quite fruitful with many victories in the field of cycling.

In 1980 Pinarello affiliated itself with Inoxpran, the leader in the development of stainless steel (also known for its specialty kitchen accessories). Inoxpran was in part responsible for revitalizing the once victorious cycling athletes that made up the Jolly team. They began the season with very promising riders, and a very experienced team, captained by Giovanni Battaglin. For the first time since Pinarello had begun sponsoring various professional teams, the Pinarello logo was finally seen on the team jersey as an official sponsor, alongside Inoxpran. This team was one of an extremely competitive caliber, which right from its beginnings was victorious in many races of international status. The year 1981 proved to be an extraordinary season for this power house of a team. Among its numerous victories, they captured two of the most distinguished international races, the Vuelta di Spagna and the Giro d'Italia.

Another enormous boost to Pinarello's popularity came in the 1984 Olympics. A U.S. rider by the name of Alexi Grewal took home the gold medal on a Pinarello bicycle. Throughout the years the Pinarello victories continued, making it possible for many successful partnerships. One of these teams was Banesto, of which the Spanish champion Miguel Indurain was a team member, made the Pinarello the team bicycle.

Indurain was just an amateur then but would ride a Pinarello to victories at five Tour de France's, two Giro d'Italia's, an Olympic victory, a world time trial championship, an hour record, and many other international victories.

With the recognition obtained at the Giro d'Italia with Indurain in '92 and '93, and even with the victory of Chioccioli in '91, the victory that most stands out is the first Tour de France win in 1988 with Pedro Delgado of the Reynolds team (later called Banesto).

It was during Pinarello's partnership with many professional teams that the Pinarello name became associated with many important Italian teams, such as the Del Tongo team from '88 to '91 and the Mercatone Uno team from '92 to '95. Among the many victories of the above mentioned partnerships, the one that remains the most important is the one formed in '91 with Chioccioli of the Del Tongo.

In addition to the long Tours, the numerous and extraordinary successes of Cipollini, the most internationally well-known "sprinter" have greatly contributed to the popularity of the Pinarello name and deserve to be remembered.

Cipollini has infact, together with Indurain, been a famous testimonial of Pinarello's advertising compaigns. More recently, the success of the current teams, particularly Telekom, Brescialat and Banesto, should be mentioned.

In 1996 and 1997, Telekom achieved remarkable results, becoming one of the most well-known teams in the world, with unexpected successes including the victory of Riis and the second place of Ullrich in the Tour de France in 1996.

The success of Pinarello has been reconfirmed in the seasons 1997 with the 6th consecutive victory in the Tour de France and in 1998 with the second place of Jan Ullrich always in the Tour de France.



Source: Pinarello

Photo (by Tom Custer) of Alexi Grewal, 1984, on the way to a gold medal in 1984 Olympic road race, Mission Viejo, CA.

Related stories: One Good Frame...Deserves Another, Pinarello Factory Tour, 2009, and A Very Special Pinarello.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Bressan Biciclette Speciale

A friend of mine thought the nicest bikes at ExpoBici (Padova) were the Bressan bikes. Bressan bikes are made in San Gregorio di Veronella, Verona.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

The Gruber Assist Motor Drive

On display at ExpoBici in Padova was a Kuota road frame equipped with a Gruber Assist motor. The interviewee is Production Manager Dido Kopp.

The battery for the motor is under the saddle and you can see someone starting the motor by pushing a red button underneath the saddle.

The current implementation of the Gruber Assist motor requires a straight seat tube in aluminum or steel (carbon not possible) of 30.6 or 31.6 mm. Development of a motor for carbon bikes is underway. Bikes can be retrofitted by a Gruber certified dealer.

The interviewer asks Kopp "If you are doing 30 km/h what kind of an improvement will you see?" The response: "10 km/h increase." You can find all the technical specifications at Gruber Assist, www.gruberassist.com

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Standards? Only Stiffness Counts: Deda 35

Things are getting messy with several manufacturers creating their very own proprietary designs for various bike components. Some will survive and become standards, and others will leave us years down the road trying to find replacement parts.

Deda Elementi, with it's introduction of "Trentacinque" (35) at Eurobike, upped the stiffness ante from the 31.8 mm stem and handlebar interface standard to 35 mm.

The handlebar has a 35mm, round, diameter and weighs 210 grams and is available in widths of 42-44-46 cm. The stem has a weight of 136 grams and is available in lengths of 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130mm. Colors: red, white, carbon.

Photo (top): courtesy of bikeradar

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

A Very Special Pinarello

Currently on ebay is a very special Pinarello equipped with ICS modified components. ICS (Italcicli Cycle Systems) was a Zurich, Swiss, based company that made highly refined modifications and customizations to Campagnolo equipment. The company was founded by Mr. Artemio Granzotto. The company closed in 2001.

Photos: click to enlarge


Seller's description:

Pinarello with ICS Golden 18 K Campagnolo Group

Pinarello with ICS 18 Campagnolo Golden Parts

1984 Group modified and Plated with Real 15 K (5 micron) gold plated finish

tube :Columbus

Size Seattube: 52.5 cm c/c

Topt tube :53.5 cm c/c

with Complete Campagnolo Super record Tunend ICS Golden Group

Campagnolo Super Record Crankset 170 mm

Chainring 53/42 ICS Tuned

Campagnolo Super Recors Pedals with golden ALE Toe Clips with Alfredo Binda Straps

Campagnolo Bottom Bracket

Campagnolo Super Record Brakes and Levers ICS golden

Super Record Control Lever Pinarello pantographed

Rear Derailleur Campagnolo Super Record ICS 3D System

Front Derailleur Campagnolo Super Record included ICS Chain Guide Device

Campagnolo Super record Hubs 36 hole front

Campagnolo Super Recors Hubs 36 hole Rear

with blue Mavic SSC Rims and Wolber Tubular

Cinelli Golden Stem 105 mm

with Cinelli 64 - 40 Bar and Leather Tape

Campagnolo Super Recors Headset

Campagnolo Super Record Seatpost 27.2 mm golden

with Selle Italia mod. Faust Coppi Saddle limited (Nr:3373)

the Bicycle its used in original very good Condition

the decals are not more good ( a new Set Decals its included)

the Campagnolo Hoods are not more fine

by the cinelli stem lost one Cinelli button

and by the Selle Italia saddle its a golden application broken

the bicycle its uncleanded

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

Vincenzo Nibali Wins Vuelta a España

Vicenzo Nibali (Liquigas) today became only the fifth Italian to triumph in Spain in the 75-year history of the Vuelta a España, the last being Marco Giovanetti in 1990.

With the right hand on the heart and nearly crying, Vincenzo Nibali listened Italy’s national anthem while being on the top of the podium in Madrid. He now has his first grand tour victory, achieving it at 25 years old.

Ezequiel Mosquera, 34 years old, enjoyed his first podium, finishing 41 seconds behind Nibali. "I want to be at home, to be relaxed with my family and enjoy a good meal with friends", he said. Mosquera confirmed at the end of the stage that next year he will be part of a foreign team, possibly Vacansoleil.

The podium was been completed by Peter Velits the revelation of this Vuelta a España. Also 25 years old, he was was the under-23 world champion in 2007.

Nibali thanked everyone. To his team: "All my teammates were close to me, and when I think what a champion like Kreuziger did for me, forsaking his own dreams to help me make mine come true..." His opponents: "Today was a procession, from a great old champion like Carlos Sastre, a role model in life and cycling, to Ezequiel Mosquera, who on the final climb, the Bola del Mundo, almost killed me." To Ivan Basso: "This year I've learned so much from him, about racing, competing, staying focused, about always being in the first 10 in the group." To his "Cannibals":"What my fan club does is incredible. They're not fans, they're real friends."

Nibali has little time to rest on his laurels, he leaves tomorrow for Australia as part of the Italian national team competing in the World Championships.

Photos: on the podium Mosquera, Nibali, Velits (by Bettini); finish line photo at Bola del Mumdo (by Sirotti)

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.

2010 ExpoBici Opens

Veneto Region President Luca Zaia (above with a Bianchi "Oltre") was on hand yesterday for the opening of the 3rd edition of EXPOBICI in Padova. 25,000 visitors attended last year.

Ale-Jet, Alessandro Petacchi, will be signing specially designed posters commemorating his green jersey victory on Monday at 1400 at the Gaerne booth.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.