Monday, February 7, 2011

Cycling Monuments, Memorials, Plaques, etc., Part X


Jac Zwart, author of the Dutch language book "Wielermonumenten - Reisgids door de geschiedenis van de wielersport" (Cycling Monuments - Travel Guide through the History of the Sport of Cycling), contributes his seventh article, this time about a sculpture to remember Franco Ballerini.

"Today, February 7th, marks the one year anniversary of the death of Franco Ballerini . As the navigator for driver Allessandro Ciardo, he was victim of a car crash in the Rally of Larciano, not far away from Casalguidi, where he lived.

During the year, a number of tributes have been placed to commemorate the former national coach ( C.T., Commissario Tecnico) of the Italian road squad, who won the cycling one day classic Paris-Roubaix in 1995 and 1998. One of those tributes can be found in the village of San Miniato Basso. It is called "Pinocchio in bicicletta" and when you closely observe the iron figure on the bike it is quite easy to recognize the wooden puppet which appeared in the tale written by Carlo Collodi (Carlo Lorenzini). Pinocchio has become the symbol of San Miniato Basso, a village that originated from a combination of the villages Casenuove Ontraino and Pinocchio. The monument was originally meant to celebrate the start of a stage in the Tirreno-Adriatico, but after the death of Franco Ballerini the decision was made to also dedicate the monument to him.

The iron sculpture has a height of three meters and is made out of recycled material. It is located at the Piazza Don Ruggini."

Related stories:
Italian National Team Coach Ballerini Dies in Rally Car Crash
The Final GoodBye to Franco Ballerini

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Share your story. Write a story about your cycling trip, or an aspect of your trip, in Italy. Or, it can be about a granfondo experience, a special encounter, your favorite ride, etc. The period for story submissions for prizes will be January 1-February 15, 2011. Prizes will be awarded on a random basis, stories will not be judged on which is the "best" one. Nevertheless, it should be a good story for the enjoyment of all readers. Photos accompanying the story are most welcome. If you have any questions email me at veronaman@gmail.com. See photos of prizes here. Prize donated by:
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Strada Hand Built Wheels, custom wheel building
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La Gazzetta della Bici, massage oils for cyclists
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