Happy New Year!

Bring Back 1989....??

Are YOU still wearing any of these jerseys?

Click on photo to enlarge.

Photo: courtesy of milanofixed

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Bianchi Oltre with Campagnolo EPS

One of the new 2012 offerings from Bianchi will be this matt black Oltre equipped with Campagnolo EPS (click on photo to enlarge).

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Pro Training During the Holidays

Little time for rest and relaxation during the holidays for a professional rider. Let's look at Lampre-ISD:

After the season ended in October the cycle of preparation for next year was already starting by the end of that month . This was followed by the first team training camp on December 4th.

What were Lampre-ISD’s riders doing during the Christmas holidays? Relaxing on sunny beaches or skiing? Huge holiday dinners with relatives? No, they spent their holidays in an intense way, focusing their attention on riding their bikes.

“No holidays, I trained every day, also thanks to the good weather. I only had a rest on December 25th," explained Michele Scarponi. "I’ll ride on December 31st and and January 1st too, there’s nothing better than beginning then new year on bike!".

Damiano Cunego decided to spend 25 December with his family: "I celebrated Christmas with my children, I didn’t ride. I trained intensively on December 24th and 26th. I’ll ride for 4 hours the last day of the year and on January 1st".

Alessandro Petacchi rode Christmas day as he prepares for the Tour Down Under in Australia. "I didn’t stop on Christmas, nor the 26th, and I won't be stopping for December 31st. For New Year’s Day, I’ll decide that morning, maybe I’ll do a light training ride". Petacchi will be the team captain for the TDU which is being held January 17-22; the team will also include Grega Bole, Danilo Hondo, Davide Cimolai, Massimo Graziato, Davide Viganò and the Aussie Matthew Lloyd.

For Davide Viganò, also headed to Australia, there were no off days. "I rode every day, no exception for the holidays. I’ll also train on the 31st and January 1st. I've always done it this way."

Manuele Mori mixes short and long training sessions. "Two hours and thirty minutes on Christmas, five hours on December 26: this is the best way to celebrate the holidays. On December 31st I've programmed a long training ride, no less than five hours, while on New Year’s Day I think that I’ll do one hour and thirty minutes of training".

Diego Ulissi chose to balance between holiday pleasures and training. "I rested on Christmas and ate typical Tuscan food and drank Farnese wine, but on the other days I trained: the start of the season is close and it’s very important to prepare for next year in the best way".

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Guest Contributor Stories of 2011

We've been fortunate to have many nice stories about cycling in Italy contributed by the readers of the Italian Cycling Journal. Share YOUR story. Stories about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.

Here are some of the 2011 stories:

La Prosecco

Pantani's Last Stand

Passoni Passion

Traverse of Italy (note: search on title for more; this is a series I need to still finish).

Dreaming of Italy

At the Birth of the USA Gran Fondo Movement

A Special Visit with Ernesto Colnago

The Story of the Giro d'Italia

Hmmm...what a cool bike...never heard of it

The Day Amina Was Born

In Search of a L'Eroica Bike

Alfredo Binda, Madonna del Ghisallo

Training for Italy

The Mortirolo, Marco, and Me

The Most Beautiful Climb

Ghisallo Pilgrimage

Tre Cime di Lavaredo: The Greatest Show on Earth

2011 L'Eroica Through the Lens of Angelo Ferrillo

2011 L'Eroica: Riding with the Heroes


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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Campagnolo "Continental Divide" Gold Buckle

Add this to the list of Campagnolo items I hadn't seen before. A 24k gold plated version of the "Continental Divide 1975" brass buckle. Reportedly made a very limited numbers.

Note: Bringing to attention the following comment from a reader regarding the design of the "Continental Divide" buckle:

"I was working in a bike shop when Continental Divide released these in 1975.

When Continental Divide produced / distributed these belt buckles, they failed to get permission from Campagnolo to use their logo. A few days after this product was received in the shop, Continental Divide issued a product recall – actually, it was a demand for all product to be returned immediately. Can you say “oops.”

The belt buckles Campy released in 1980 are the circular design. These belt buckles were also awarded at USCF / USAC national championships for one or two years."

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Buon Natale!

Have a Merry Christmas!

GreenEDGE, Scott, Varese

A video peek into the European Training Center in Gavirate (Varese) established by the Australian Institute of Sport, a home away from home for Australian athletes. It will also be the base for the GreenEDGE Cycling team which will be competing next year in the top division of cycling.

The video also shows the new Scott bikes that will be used by the team.




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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Colnago C59 for Colnago-CSF Bardiani

The Colnago-CSF Bardiani team will be riding a Colnago C59 again this year but with slightly different graphics (above) incorporating the Italian national colors. The bikes will also be equipped with Campagnolo Super Record again.

Actually, I just recalled that the frame looks like the C59 Unification of Italy model without the 150 touches (top tube, down tube, fork) that I published a photo in March:



The 2011 team bike:


Photo (top): Bettini

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

BePink, New Italian Women's Team Attracts Noemi Cantele

BePink is a new Italian women's professional team which also recently signed Noemi Cantele, the current Italian national champion in road racing and time trial (also silver and bronze medalist the Mendrisio World Championships in 2009). Cantele is a transfer from Team Garmin-Cervélo. BePink is managed by Walter Zini.


"For me 2012 is a really important year as I aim towards the Olympic Games in London, this is my most important objective of the season", said Cantele. "After many years in foreign teams it gives me great satisfaction to defend the colors of an Italian team while wearing the tricolore jersey. The project developed by BePink was of immediate interest to me because of its innovative approach of aiming to develop the professional growth of female athletes a full 360 degrees. I have known Walter Zini for many years, I know how he works and the professionalism with which he operates. I'm sure this is the choice best for me."

The BePink team will be comprised of Noemi Cantele, Alice Algisi, Alena Amialiesiuk, Chiara Favaron Bissoli, Elke Gebhardt, Simona Frapporti, Oxana Kozonchuk, Julia Martisova, Dalia Muccioli, Eleonora Patuzzo, Gloria Presti, Evelyn Garcia, Silvia Valsecchi and Petra Zrimsek.

BePink began it's season with its first training camp, held in Cervinia, from 14 to 18 December. The team's first race will be the Ladies Tour of Qatar, 1 to 3 February.

Photo: Cantele on her way to silver in the time trial at 2009 World Championships.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Photo: Pinarello Dogma2 with Campagnolo EPS: $16,500

Photo of the limited edition version of the Pinarello Dogma2 bike equipped with Campagnolo's new electronic gruppo, Electronic Power Shift. Fifty examples of these Dogma2s equipped with the Super Record version of EPS will be available in the U.S. at $16,500 (retail price, with Campagnolo Shamal Ultra 2-Way Dark wheelset).

More information and photos at Bikerumor.

Photo (click to enlarge): Bikerumor

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

If You Were Michele Scarponi....

.....would you skip next year's Giro d'Italia to race in the Tour de France?

Michele Scarponi, who races for Lampre-ISD, has said that he is seriously considering skipping the Giro d'Italia in order to race in the Tour de France. This year in the Giro he finished 2nd to Alberto Contador at 6’10” behind (Nibali was 3rd). Contador has decided to not race in the Giro in order to focus on the Tour.


Scarponi's teammates are split on their advice:

Diego Ulissi: "I think that to support a captain, that could be Cunego or Scarponi, in view of targets such as the Giro or Tour is an exciting challange and a crucial moment for my growth as cyclist. Michele is evaluating with the proper care where he can best use his qualities that are among the best of the cycling world. I know that I'll be able to pedal next to him in the heat moments of the races. I lived outstanding days in 2011 Giro d'Italia so I'd like to live this experience again, but I understand also the will of Michele to try a new challenge."

Alessandro Spezialetti (who has raced in 14 Giro d'Italia: "The choice of Giro d'Italia or Tour de France needs deep reflection and it's very interesting. I think that Michele, like any other Italian cyclist, has a strong bond with Giro d'Italia: try to win it it's an irresistible temptation. But just because Scarponi has top qualities as athlete, he's very attracted by Tour de France too. In fact, he showed in 2011 that maybe with the exception of Contador he could be better that any other rider for Grand Tours. So, I don't understand why he should dismiss any option. On a technical side, it's true that Giro's course suites Scarponi's characteristics very well and that in Grande Boucle there are more time trial kilometers, but Michele is not so penalized in this kind of specialty."


Daniele Righi: "The Tour de France is a very exciting option that would bring Michele huge recognition. Michele's qualities makes it possible for him to obtain good results in France and maybe to win top stages, he's one of the toughest riders and he's one of the best climbers. However, if he wants to be competitive for the yellow jersey he should improve in time trial. He's already quite good but in long time trial such as the Tour's ones he needs to improve.

A victory in the Corsa Rosa is the dream of every Italian cyclist; the Grande Boucle, meanwhile, thanks to its difficulty and level of competition, can make a rider legendary."

Matteo Bono: "There are many aspects to consider before such important decision. I'm sure that Scarponi, thanks to the recommendations of the technical staff, will decide what is best. The career of Michele in Giro d'Italia is now well known: his improvement in the Corsa Rosa has been huge, in 2011 he obtained his first podium and in 2012 he'll be able to try to hit the big target of winning it. Regarding the Tour de France, I think the outcome is more determined by the hazards as the 2011 edition showed with crashes and changes in the overall standing. So, in my opinion, this could be a good year for Scarponi to try to win the Giro."

Przemyslaw Niemiec: "Giro d'Italia is better for Michele because its course has characteristics suited for him and because it always so motivates an Italian cyclist. On Italian climbs, Scarponi could be very competitive, this year only Contador could be stronger. Thanks to that experience, and an even more competitive team, Michele has the chance to win the Corsa Rosa. In addition, the support by the Italian fans could be very important. Anyway, I understand very well the desire by Scarponi of trying the French challenge, of riding against riders that are considered the top athletes but that have nothing more than him. I'd also like to take part in a Tour de France one day, but only after I have helped Michele win a Giro d'Italia".

The Schleck brothers have decided to not ride the Giro next year saying, "We will not do the Giro. What matters is the Tour. We love the Tour. The goal is to win the Tour de France." Interesting was the response by Eddy Merckx to this which I believe is also applicable to Michele Scarponi as well: "It's better to be first in the Giro then second in the Tour." Felice Gimondo has expressed the same exact opinion.

So, if you were Michele Scarponi what would you decide?

Photo: Bettini

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

The Problem of Too Many Motorcycles in the Dolomites

Daniel Patitucci, friend and photographer, has written a piece about the problem of too many motorcycles in the Dolomites on DolomiteSport. He is seeking comments, and ideas, on the subject. If you have cycled, hiked, or climbed in the Dolomites and have experienced this problem please leave a comment at the end of the article. Please pass the article along to your friends for comment. The article in full is here; following are the first few paragraphs:

"It’s time to bring up a nasty subject that many who visit the Dolomites experience in a very negative way. For years now I have felt growing anger and frustration for the thousands of motorcycles that come to the Italian Dolomites. I finally brought it up to locals, business owners and my athlete friends and promptly discovered I’m not the only one who feels this way. So angry are they that the subject is almost painful to discuss, for it seems nothing is being done about it. I however, am more than happy to publicly state my thoughts and make it clear that these motorcycles are a cancer to this amazing region.

The Dolomites are unarguably one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and everyone has the right to experience them. But why is one user group allowed to negatively impact the experience of all the others while at the same time causing numerous disturbances to the natural environment in the forms of noise and exhaust pollution as well as a very real threat to the safety of others.

The problem is that motorcyclists come from all over Europe to ride the Dolomite’s famously steep and curvy mountain roads. This is fine as an activity, but the manner in which all too many do it is completely irresponsible on the part of both the riders and local authorities................."



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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Winners of Giro's "Be the Next Fighter"

In November we alerted you to the "Be the Next Fighter" contest by the Giro d'Italia. The winners were Asbjørn Johansen (Norway), Ivan Cvpd (Spain) and Andrea Ponta (Italy). All three were invited to Milano for the photo shoot (video of shoot below), and a visit to the offices of the Gazzetta dello Sport.



We are 138 days from the start of the Giro d'Italia on May 5th.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Cinelli Super Corsa Leggerissimo, a Restoration

The final results of Chris' restoration of a Cinelli Super Corsa Leggerissimo. The maiden voyage will be this weekend, check back for a report.

The Leggerissimo was a special model sold by the Brugelmann shop in Frankfurt, Germany. Read more here and see the listing in their catalog. Here is a photo of my own 1972 Cinelli SC Leggerissimo, still completely original:

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

The World According to Cycling Fans

The world according to cycling fans, through knowledge gathered on the internet.

Click on to enlarge.

via www.cyclinginquisition.com

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Eddy Merckx, Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur

Eddy Merckx was awarded the Legion of Honour grade "Commandeur de la Legion d'honneur" today by French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the presidential Elysee palace in Paris.

"It’s a considerable honor," said Merckx, who was initially made Chevalier at the start of the 1975 Tour de France.

The Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour (French: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The Order is the highest decoration in France. There are five levels: grand croix (grand cross), grand officier (grand officer), commandeur (commander), officier (officer) and chevalier (knight).

Merckx won the Tour de France five times, the Giro d'Italia five times, the Vuelta a España once, won all the monuments* of cycling at least twice, with 19 monument victories in all, won the world championship once as an amateur and three times as a professional, and broke the world hour record.

*the five monuments of cycling:
Milan–San Remo (Italy)
Tour of Flanders (Belgium)
Paris–Roubaix (France)
Liège–Bastogne–Liège (Belgium)
Giro di Lombardia (Italy)

Congratulations Eddy!

Photo: Eric Feferberg (AP)

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Campagnolo Launches EPS Website

Campagnolo has just launched a website dedicated to EPS, Electronic Power Shift.

Click here to visit. The website is available in Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Campagnolo EPS, the Videos

From Campagnolo:

EPS History:


EPS Multishifting:


EPS Rear Derailleur:


EPS Front Derailleur:


EPS Riding Settings:


EPS Zero Setting Rear Derailleur:


EPS Zero Setting Front Derailleur:


EPS Power Unit:


EPS Interface:


EPS Ergopower:



EPS System Philosophy:



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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

WorldTour Vacansoleil-DCM Bianchi Oltre

Finally, a very good photo of the Bianchi Oltre the Vacansoleil-DCM team will be riding in the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta (and more).

Lots of eye candy in Montecatini Teme:

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Bianchi Sempre for Colombia-Coldeportes

The Continental team Colombia-Coldeportes will be riding Bianchi Sempre bikes during 2012, equipped with FSA components with the exception of the SRAM red shifters and cassettes. Wheels are VISION TriMax Carbon TC-50.

The graphic design highlights the national colors of Colombia while also maintaining the celeste color for which Bianchi is best known for.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Miss Ciclismo 2011: Nancy Bernacchia

The Miss Ciclismo 2011 is Nancy Bernacchia from Marche. Of her victory the 19 year old Ms.Bernacchia said, "I am very satisfied, I wanted especially to be Miss Ciclismo because I love cycling. I live in the countryside and cycling relaxes me a lot and keeps me in shape." Previously she was a pre-finalist in the 2009 Miss Italia pageant, and is now studying to be a veterinarian.

The jury presidents were Vicenzo Nibali and Damiano Cunego (obviously having too much fun), other judges included Gilberto Simoni, Andrea Noè, Sacha Modolo, Diego Ulissi, Marzio Bruseghin and Paolo Tiralongo.



Related Story: Miss Ciclismo 2010

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

UCI WorldTour and Continental Teams for 2012

RadioShack-Nissan (LUX) and the GreenEdge Cycling Team (AUS) were added to the WorldTour teams list already announced bringing the total to 18 for next season as follows (these teams must be invited, and must participate, in all major races):

- Astana Pro Team
- BMC Racing Team
- Garmin-Cervélo
- Lampre - ISD
- Liquigas - Cannondale
- Movistar Team
- Rabobank
- Sky Procycling
- Vacansoleil-DCM
- Katusha Team
- FDJ
- Lotto Belisol Team
- Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team
- Team Saxo Bank
- AG2R La Mondiale
- Euskaltel-Euskadi
- RadioShack-Nissan
- GreenEdge Cycling Team


There are 22 teams registered as UCI Professional Continental Teams for the 2012 season:
ACCENT JOBS – WILLEMS VERANDA’S, BEL
ACQUA & SAPONE, ITA
ANDRONI GIOCATTOLI, ITA
BRETAGNE - SCHULLER, FRA
CAJA RURAL, ESP
COFIDIS, LE CREDIT EN LIGNE, FRA
COLNAGO – CSF INOX, IRL (Italian team registered in IRL)
COLOMBIA – COLDEPORTES, COL
LANDBOUWKREDIET, BEL
SAUR – SOJASUN, FRA
SPIDERTECH POWERED BY C10, CAN
TEAM NETAPP, GER
TEAM TYPE 1 – SANOFI, USA
TOPSPORT VLAANDEREN – MERCATOR, BEL
UNITEDHEALTHCARE PRO CYCLING TEAM, USA
PROJECT 1T4I, NED
TEAM EUROPCAR, FRA
ANDALUCIA, ESP
CHAMPION SYSTEM PRO CYCLING TEAM, CHN
FARNESE VINI, GBR (Italian team registered in GBR)
RUSVELO, RUS
UTENSILNORD NAMED, IRL

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

CICLISMO Available on Ipad

It's becoming easier than ever to receive an Italian cycling magazine. CICLISMO magazine is now available for the iPad at pocketmags.com, specifically here.

If anyone tries the service send some feedback to us.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

"I am a CYCLIST"

"I am a CYCLIST". Explaining cycling to a non-cyclist. Note: some language may not be suitable for youngsters.




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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Magico Tempe vs. Zoncolan

Simone Temperato (aka as "Magico Tempe"), from Bassano del Grappa (VI), sends in a GoPro Hero video of his latest impossible adventure, climbing and descending Zoncolan on one wheel:



Climbing in the same direction as the last Giro d'Italia, from Ovaro, Magico completed the ascent in 1 hour 16 minutes lowering his previous record by 2 minutes. Keep in mind there is an average grade of 11.5% for 10.5 km with a maximum of 22%. Related story: A mere mortal climbs Zoncolan

The descent took 22 minutes with a maximum speed of 43 km reached. Magico writes, "The descent was perfect and I never thought of achieving such a low time. Only in one hairpin did I have a moment of indecision when suddenly, I don't know why, I first lurched to the right and then left and I was forced to make an amazing recovery to regain my balance and continue."




Grazie Simone.

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

bici@romaexpo

There is a new Italian bike expo on the horizon, the bici@romaexpo which is scheduled for March 8 to 11, 2012, at the Fiera Roma near Leonardo da Vinci Airport. This will be the first bike fair in the Capital.

Among the exhibitors that have already committed to the expo are Olmo, De Rosa, Passoni, Casati, Bottecchia, Atala, Ambrosio, Carrera, Cicli Elios, and also Intense, Lapierre, Marzocchi, Rock Shox, Sram, Endura, O’Neal, Fulcrum, and Geax. The list grows every day.

There are many events being planned including an exhibition by Cicli Rossignoli of their vintage bike collection which includes bikes of all types (see a video of a previous Rossignoli exhibit here).

All event details (only in Italian at the moment) at www.biciaromaexpo.it


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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

“Pedala con i Campioni”

The 12th edition of the "Pedala con i Campioni" (Ride with the Champions) was held yesterday, as it is every December 8th since 2000, in Brinzio (Varese). 2,000 cycling fans subscribed to the 45 km social ride with Ivan Basso, Oscar Freire Gomez, Luca Paolini, Giorgia Bronzini, Noemi Cantele , Valentina Carretta, Fabio Felline, Massimo Codol, Edoardo Girardi, Luca Zanasca, and Roberto Damiani, and former professionals Tupak Casnedi, Simone Zucchi, Dario Andriotto, Daniele Nardello and Stefano Zanini.

After the conclusion of the ride there was the traditional ristoro followed by a drawing for signed jerseys.


Three trophies were awarded to the cycling clubs with the most participants. The winners were Funtos Bike (accepting 1st place trophy, Stefano Zanini in Pedala con i Campioni jersey) followed by Marnatese and Ju Sport.



Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Detour: Fiat 500 Abarth "Seduction"

Every once in awhile we detour off cycling into another subject area. This is the intro video to the new Fiat 500 Abarth, the racing inspired version of the 500. The video was deemed too hot for American TV (over air channels):


What are you looking at? Eh?
What are you looking at? (slap)
Are you undressing me with your eyes?
Poor guy… you can’t help it?
Is your heart beating? Is your head spinning?
Do you feel lost thinking that I could be yours forever?

The history of Karl (Carlo) Abarth and the Abarth company:



Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Monte Pasubio on MTB

During the First World War the front line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces ran through the Dolomites. Monte Pasubio was a crucial stronghold for the Italians. They had to hold the mountain, but their supply lines to the mountain were being shelled and were subject to avalanches (on one day, the 13th December 1916, known as 'White Friday', 10,000 soldiers were killed by avalanches in the Dolomites). The answer to the Italian Army's problems was the Strada delle 52 Gallerie.

The Strada delle Gallerie [Road of Tunnels] is a mountain path cut into Monte Pasubio. It was built in 1916 by Italian mountain troops and teams of miners. The Strada was started in March 1917 and finished by the end of the year.

There are many military paths in the Dolomites. What makes the Strada unusual is that it runs through 52 tunnels with a total length of 2,300m. A further 4,000m of path is cut into the side of Monte Pasubio. It is one of the best high level paths in the Dolomites.

The start to Strada delle Gallerie is in Bocchetta Campiglia. The path eventually arrives at the Rifugio Generale Papa. On the other side of the Rifguo is the loop known as Strada degli Eroi (Road of Heroes).

The Strada della Gallerie is officially closed to mountain bikers, there are barriers but they are easily bypassed. Disclaimer: it's dangerous, ride at your own risk.



Notes: history text of the Gallerie from adiator blog, photos from magicoveneto. Thanks to Eros Poli for bringing this ride to my attention.

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,200 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.