This is the project begun by Fiorenzo Magni to collect a pink jersey from every Giro d'Italia since 1931 for the Museo del Ghisallo . Why 1931? The pink jersey was introduced that year as the race leader's jersey and the first to wear it was Learco Guerra.
The latest pink jersey to be donated is that of Giovanni Battaglin who won the 1981 Giro d'Italia. Battaglin is only one of three riders that have won the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta in the same year, joining Eddy Merckx and Alberto Contador in that achievement. Keep in mind that back in 1981 the Vuelta preceeded the Giro d'Italia and the Giro started only 3 days after the Vuelta finished.
The jersey was contributed by Loriano Gragnoli (below), founder and president of the Ivan Basso Fan Club. He had obtained the jersey from his friend Alfredo Chinetti.
Twenty-seven jerseys have now been collected for the museum.
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Magni's museum is spectacular. It was well worth the long wait and we're proud to have donated funds towards the project over many years. Our Legendary Climbs of the Giro tour ends there each year and we still make a donation towards the upkeep and improvements. No visit to the lake area is complete without a "pilgrimage" to this place.
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