Monday, March 14, 2011

Tribute to Costante Girardengo


With the Milan-Sanremo classic passing the Museo dei Campionissimi in Nove Ligure on March 19th the museum has decided to celebrate the birthday of native son Costante Girardengo (his birthday actually being March 18th, born 1893). He was the first rider to be declared a "Campionissimo" or "champion of champions" by the Italian media and fans. His career achievements include two victories in the Giro d'Italia, six victories in Milan–San Remo, three victories in the Giro di Lombardia; he was also Italian road race champion on nine occasions.

The day will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the presentation of a giant picture of the first champion, placed on the glass of the Museum next to that of Fausto Coppi. In the garden area outside visitors will now find the bronze busts of Coppi and Girardengo by Mario Leveni.

At 11:00 you can enjoy an exhibit of a bicycle and other materials belonging to the "Gira" on loan to the museum by Giovanni Meazzo. Born July 9, 1928 in Alessandria, Meazzo was a great racer but an injury stopped him from racing but he continued to work as a mechanic and continues, driven by passion, even today. Meazzo is full of memories, expertise and passion for cycling, a passion that led him to seek and collect memorabilia and vintage bikes.

Finally, there will be an exhibition by illustrator Max Ramezzana of drawings that depict the winners of Milan-San Remo of yesterday and today.

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