Giovanni Battaglin, Battaglin Bikes, Battaglin Tours

There was a time, not so long ago when steel bikes were the norm, that you would see Battaglin bikes on the roads. Of course, times have changed so I asked Battaglin-USA for an English language update on the Battaglin bicycles of today. Their reply as follows:

GIOVANNI BATTAGLIN
"It was the last stage of the Giro, just one time-trial. Forty one kilometers from Soave to the Arena of Verona, the entire route wound through the the midst of two wings of the cheering crowd. It was the first time that the Classic 'Pink' Race ended in the ancient Roman city. I was wearing the pink jersey, but there were three of us within 38 seconds of first place. When I entered the Roman amphitheater, the roar of the crowd made me realize that I had won. I was overjoyed: just two days before the start of the tour I had won the Vuelta leader's Green Jersey, but the victory that I dreamed of the most and aspired to for my entire career was in the Italian Giro. Also, I was the first Venetan who prevailed, making this triumph, on the streets of my Region, an even grander victory."

With these words Giovanni Battaglin, from Marostica, born in 1951, enthusiasm in his voice and eyes, tells of his victory in the 1981 Giro d'Italia.

During his professional career, Battaglin participated in the Giro d'Italia 10 times, the Tour of Switzerland 6 times, the Tour de France 5 times, the Vuelta a España once and the World Championships 8 times. As an amateur he scored numerous victories, including Giro d'Italia dilettante, the Trofeo Tricolore and the World Championships in Mendrisio.

1973: Raced his first Giro d'Italia, placing third. The accomplishment was noted by all and gained him a reputation as a remarkable pacer-climber. In the same year, thanks to numerous victories, becomes the best new professional.

1974: Winner of the Giro dell'Appennino. Participates in his first Tour de France..

1975: More victories. As captain of the Jolly Ceramica team, wore the pink jersey for 5 stages of the Giro and won the Coppa Sabatini.

1976: First time in the yellow jersey, the Caen stage of the Tour.

1978: Victory in the Coppa Bernocchi.

1979: Battaglin is Captain of Inoxpran, winning the best climber competition in the Tour and wins sixth place overall.

1980: Victory in the Milano-Vignola, the extremely tough Pecol stage of the Giro d'Italia, the Milano-Torino and the Coppa Placci. Was third overall in the Giro d'Italia.

1981: Marks the apex of Giovanni's racing career: first place in the Vuelta, winning the time-trial stage as well as attaining his personal goal-conquest of the pink jersey, winner the 64th Giro d'Italia.

Battaglin had thus earned the triumphant victory of his career and proper recognition for his exceptional talent. He was a true champion, a skillful, first-class climber and capable of exceptional performance against the clock as a time-trialer. Yet his list of victories, however impressive, does not do adequate justice to his character and tenacity as an athlete. Only an individual with remarkable fortitude and determination could overcome a series of incidents that cost him a Giro d'Italia, a podium at the Tour and perhaps a World Championship in Valkenburg.

Despite his series of misfortunes, Giovanni was able to come back with a prodigious season in 1981, succeeding in achieving two consecutive victories, the Vuelta and Giro d'Italia, which only Merckx had been able to obtain.



BATTAGLIN BICYCLES
Battaglin retired after the 1984 season. In 1982 Battaglin started a bicycle manufacturing business which he runs from Italy. In 2002 the company sponsored the Ceramiche Panaria Fiordo squad. Today, Battaglin is one of the most exclusive brands in the bicycling industry. Every bike is 100% handcrafted in Italy. Giovanni Battaglin has designed and produced high-performance racing bikes since the early 1980s and is today one of the most recognized and oldest independent bicycle manufacturer in the world. With even established bicycle manufacturers moving their production to Asia to cut costs we are proud to be one of the very few Italian bicycle brands which truly builds race bikes Made in Italy.

Battaglin bicycles don't just meet quality standards, we set them. After many years of research and development we are proud to present our latest series of race bikes (see www.battaglin-usa.com). Our monocoque carbon frames technology allows us to push the limits of composite technology to build the strongest and lightest frames in the world.

Everything we do is because of our passion for cycling. Our goal is to build the most technologically advanced bicycles in the world and to set the standard for high-performance race bikes. Our name stands for Italian racing tradition, innovation and exclusivity. Every Battaglin bicycle is a handcrafted Italian masterpiece that offers the latest technology and innovation that made us world-famous.

Video: NFL Linebacker Dhani visits the Battaglin factory as he prepares for the Gran Fondo Monte Grappa:




THE BATTAGLIN TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Our guide is not just a guide. You will train with a professional cyclist who will help you to become the best rider possible.

Our bikes are made in Italy for one sole purpose: To Deliver The Perfect Ride. Besides your equipment the region where you ride is evenly important. Experience exclusive accommodations, savory meals, cultural immersions and experienced guides. All the details are taken care of. All you have to do is enjoy The Perfect Ride.

Experience Italy as you never seen it before. Soak in the incredible beauty of Italy's east coast. Ride the same roads where the history of the Giro d'Italia has been made. Ride the roads of Legends.

The Battaglin Week as a Professional is geared towards medium to strong riders and will be adjusted during the event to individual needs and abilities. Many of our routes during this trip will follow the same roads as the Giro d'Italia. Italy is a fabulous country to visit with unequalled scenery, friendly people and of course great food. From its dramatic beaches to its quiet roads lined by majestic olive trees, Italy will captivate you with its diverse terrain and wild beauty. The east coast of Italy will reward you at every turn. So much more than just a cycling trip, enjoy ancient architectural marvels, historic walking tours and unforgettable scenery, all complemented by sumptuous dining, delicious local wines and luxurious accommodations. See www.battaglin-usa.com for details.


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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 2,300 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.