Monday, September 30, 2013

2013 UCI Road World Championships, Toscana2013

In the elite categories it was once again only the Italian women that won a medal for Italy, a bronze medal for Rossella Ratto. Marianne Vos won the gold medal, Emma Johannson the silver. Video highlights of the race:



Vincenzo Nibali gave everything he had to give, but.....


And, from a different angle:



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Friday, September 27, 2013

2014 Tirreno – Adriatico, 49th Edition

Click to enlarge

The 49th edition of Tirreno – Adriatico – which starts on Wednesday, 12 March, 2014 – was presented yesterday to the world’s cycling press at the Grand Hotel  & La Pace in Montecatini Terme.

The 2014 edition of the race will start from Donoratico and end, as is now traditional, in San Benedetto del Tronto, Tuesday, 18th March. In 2013, the Italian stage race, organized by RCS Sport/La Gazzetta dello Sport, saw all the best riders in the world on its start line; the finale saw Vincenzo Nibali secure his second consecutive victory (ahead of his Giro d’Italia victory), ahead of Christopher Froome (the eventual winner of the 2013 Tour de France) and Alberto Contador. The 2014 route will see two time trial stages (one for teams and one individual), two sprint stages, two stages for climbers, and one for finisseurs.

The 16.9km team time trial from Donoratico to San Vincenzo will open the 49th Corsa dei Due Mari. The next day there will be a stage of 173 km, from San Vincenzo to Cascina (Pisa), with a lively elevation profile for its first half, before flattening for the remainder of the stage to the sprinters their opportunity to shine. The third stage, from Cascina to Arezzo (206 km), will finish with a final climb that should be suitable for both sprinters and finisseurs to claim victory. The fourth stage, from Indicatore - Cittareale Selvarotonda, is a total of 237 km, combined with an uphill finish at 1.535 meters that should allow the strongest climbers to have their moment. The final climb is 17 km long with an average gradient between 7 and 8%. The fifth stage is unquestionably for the climbers. With the Passo Lanciano at 27 km to go and the spectacular and terrible final on the Guardiagrele wall (Chieti), which, for its last 600m, touches on a brutal 30% gradient, sparks should fly. Monday 17th March sees the penultimate stage from Bucchianico to Porto Sant'Elpidio (187 km) and is certainly one for the sprinters. The final stage, as per tradition, will be a 9.2 km individual time trial in San Benedetto del Tronto.

The most successful winner of Tirreno - Adriatico is Belgian Roger De Vlaeminck, who won six editions of the race, from 1972 to 1977, and since then holds the records for both the total number of wins and for the most consecutive victories. Before of the Nibali double in 2012 and 2013, Cadel Evans took the win and with it, the honor of being the first Australian to win it.

The Corsa dei Due Mari has so far seen a perfect balance between Italian and foreign winners: 24 each, made up of:
Italy: 24 editions
Belgium: 7
Switzerland: 5
Spain: 3
Netherlands: 3
Denmark: 2
Australia, Germany, Norway and Sweden: 1.

At the presentation of the 49th edition of Tirreno - Adriatico were present, among others, RCS Sport General Manager, Michele Acquarone, Tirreno - Adriatico Director of Operations Mauro Vegni, and RCS Sport Head of Sport Management Stefano Allocchio.

Vegni: “I want to thank first of all the FCI for hosting us at Casa Azzurri for the presentation of the Tirreno - Adriatico 2014. We are very excited to present you so much earlier than in the past the Corsa dei Due Mari. A race that especially in recent years has increased its international profile to become one of the most important stage races in the world.”

Allocchio: “Even in 2014 we will start with a team time trial, with the course inverted compared to the opening stage last year. Then there will be room for sprinters in Cascina. The third stage will be completed in the historic centre of Arezzo and promises to be very ”eventful”. The next day, the arrival in Cittareale Selvarotonda will test all athletes with the last 7 km uphill. The fifth stage involves the final climb towards the finish line in Guardiagrele with an inclination as high as 30%. It will be fun! In Porto Sant'Elpidio there’s probably still room for sprinters. There will then be the classic finale with the individual time trial stage of San Benedetto. A Tirreno - Adriatico that respects tradition but has some ”goodies” that will certainly make the fight for the final victory very interesting.”

Acquarone: “Mauro and Stefano were really wonderful in designing the Corsa dei Due Mari. A stage race that is now world-class. Last year, the podium was fantastic and I think everyone had lot of fun. We are trying to do the maximum to make the event more interesting and compelling; and with the cooperation of everyone, including athletes and teams, with the common goal to reach the largest possible audience. We want to thank all our local institutions: we will bring to the world pictures of your city and your beauty. If we work together we can bring thousands of fans on the streets of Tirreno - Adriatico, certainly giving a better image which will benefit everyone.”

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Vicenza, Candidate for 2020 Road World Championships

On Saturday, September 28th, Vicenza, home of Campagnolo, will present its candidacy to host the 2020 Road World Championships.


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MCipollini RB1K, Where and How It's Made

Where and how it's made:


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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Campagnolo, "We share your passion"




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2014 Giro d'Italia, New Start Date of May 9th, a Friday

The Giro d’Italia 2014 will start from Belfast on Friday, May 9th and not on Saturday 10th as previously planned. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has accepted and ratified the request made from AIJCP, the International Association of Professional Cycling teams, to bring forward by one day the start of the Corsa Rosa adding an extra day of rest to facilitate the transfer of the caravan from Ireland to Italy. RCS Sport has given its consent. The new program includes the Grande Partenza on Friday with Belfast – Belfast stage, Saturday 10th the second stage will start again from Belfast terminating again in the Northern Ireland capital. On Sunday 11th the third stage in the island of Ireland will start from Armagh and arrive in Dublin. Monday 12th will be a rest day, then the Giro will start again on Tuesday 13th in Italy.

Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: “I have been advised of the earlier start date for the Giro d’Italia in Belfast, which moves forward by one day to the 9th May, and am confident that this will not cause any difficulties. My department and I, along with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, are working in partnership with the race organisers to ensure a smooth roll out of the operation on the ground in Northern Ireland. Everyone in Northern Ireland is looking forward to welcoming this hugely exciting competition to our shores next year and to embracing the passion, colour and atmosphere that comes with the Grande Partenza.”

Giacomo Catano, RCS Sport CEO, said: "RCS Sport welcomes the decision that further confirms the perfect harmony between the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the strategies of our company, aimed at the promotion and development of cycling around the world. We are happy that the dialogue conducted in a positive atmosphere, has satisfied all the teams that will be able to handle at best the transfer to Italy. Giro d’Italia Grande Partenza will allow all the fans from the island of Ireland to live the excitement of our great event."

Darach McQuaid (son of Pat McQuaid, current UCI head), Shadetree Sports, on the Irish perspective for the new dates said: "As the local organisers for the 2014 Big Start, Shadetree Sports welcomes the announcement of the new dates for the 2014 Giro d'Italia, which shows the sport, and its stakeholders, are taking the riders and teams welfare into account, especially when organising a project such as a foreign start of a Grand Tour. On the front end it will pose some new logistical challenges for the opening stage in Belfast on the Friday and on the back end, it will make the evacuation to Italy on Monday 12th May, a much calmer operation. In terms of the riders and their well being, it is especially welcome."

The 2014 Giro d’Italia will be presented on Monday 7th October at 14.30 at the Palaghiaccio Piranesi, Milan.

Related stories in ICJ:
2014 Giro d'Italia, Stage 12
Zoncolan and Trieste, Grand Finale of 2014 Giro d'Italia

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Book: THE ELITE BICYCLE Ventures into the World's Top Handmade Bicycle Workshops

From the publisher, www.velopress.com:

Boulder, CO, USA - September 24, 2013 - The Elite Bicycle brings together intimate portraits of the world's greatest bicycle artisans, examining the philosophies, the meticulous workmanship, and the eccentric personalities behind cycling's most prestigious brands. The Elite Bicycle will be available in September in bike shops, in bookstores, and online. Preview the book at www.theelitebicycle.com and read the introduction www.velopress.com/books/the-elite-bicycle.

In chapters featuring some of cycling's greatest craftspeople, The Elite Bicycle offers a conversation with the men and women who make the most coveted custom and handbuilt bicycles. Their materials and methods could not be more disparate, yet their pursuit is the same: the perfect bicycle. Lavish photographs and personal interviews invite readers into their workshops to show the melding of old-world craftsmanship with space-age materials in fascinating studios and factories that fabricate superb machines.
The Elite Bicycle is both an homage to the bicycle maker and a collector's piece in its own right, celebrating the stories behind the greatest bicycles and components in the world.

The Elite Bicycle offers profiles of Independent Fabrication, Time, Richard Sachs, Ben Serotta, Chris King, Alex Singer, Seven, Brooks, Selle Italia, Ira Ryan, Reynolds, Cinelli, Tony Pereira, Columbus, Guru, Winter, Chas Roberts, Rourke, Cyfac, Faggin, Pegoretti, Condor/Paris, DiNucci, Spécialités TA, Sapim, Royce, Mavic, FMB, and Continental.

The Elite Bicycle: Portraits of Great Marques, Makers, and Designers
Hardcover with jacket
Full-color interior with 250 photographs
Foreword by Sir Paul Smith
11" x 11", 224 pp., $39.95, 9781937715083

Graeme Fife is a sports journalist who has written for a wide range of publications including The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Independent, Rouleur, Cycling Weekly, and Cycle Sport. His books on cycling include Tour de France: Tour de Suffrance and Inside the Peloton.

Gerard Brown is a professional cycling photographer and an amateur racer. He contributes regularly to cycling and automotive magazines, including Privateer, Rouleur, and Octane.




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2014 Giro d'Italia, Stage 12

In advance of the official 2014 Giro d’Italia presentation in October, an individual time trial, scheduled for 22nd May, has been announced at the Interbike Show in Las Vegas, USA.


It will be a very challenging individual time trial of 46.4km amidst the backdrop of the famous northern Italian Piedmont Langhe region’s vineyeards around the area of Alba.

Starting from Barbaresco, the route will descend into the valley of the Tanaro before settling into 30km of fast, straight and mostly flat roads. After Cherasco, the riders will start the Bergne climb, itself surrounded by vineyards, a fourth category climb with points for the King of the Mountains competition.

Following the summit, the course heads downwards amidst the picturesque vines along a very technical descent. This spits rides into the final short climb before the finish in Barolo. Besides technical riding, the area’s socio-cultural capital is central to the Corsa Rosa. The Piedmont Region itself is a land of wine and cycling that has given birth to so many champions: from Costante Girardengo, Fausto Coppi, and Franco Balmamion to Italo Zilioli to name just few. In 2014, the region will again host an amazing sporting event with a unique taste through the area.

Click to enlarge

In Piedmont were born true legends of cycling, as Coppi and Girardengo,” said Alberto Cirio, Minister for Sport and Tourism of the Region of Piedmont. “A land shaped for two wheels, with more than 300 routes between mountains, plains and hills. The Giro d’Italia 2014 will offer a taste of it, beginning with the suggestive time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco, which will pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Langhe wine area, candidate to become UNESCO World Heritage Site.”


“An interesting blend of wine and sport, provided by one of the stages of the Giro d’Italia 2014, the time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco,” said Mauro Carbone, Alba Bra Langhe Roero Tourism Association Director. “Two wines, along with that of Moscato, who will speak to the American public about the Langhe hills, the perfect location for cycling holidays. Activities beloved by Americans who, during their stay in our territory, together with the pleasure of the bike, join the discovery of the wine world. A common story: wines like Barbaresco, Barolo and Moscato, born in conjunction with the Giro d’Italia, they meet again this evening to celebrate the two Italian excellence in the world.”

“Barbaresco, Barolo... two cities that also give their names to two wines,” said Pier Bergonzi, Editor in Chief of La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Two words that just say them and you have to smile thinking about the story they have behind and emotions that can produce. Just like the Giro d’Italia and our newspaper, which for over 100 years are synonymous with high-level sport but also of culture and traditions of our country. That's why the time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco has everything to become an iconic stage of the most loved race by Italians, and not only...”.

Related story in ICJ:
Piedmont Cycling Resort


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Monday, September 23, 2013

Legnano, the Brand Will Continue On

After resolving a licensing agreement issue in 2010 with Bianchi, who had acquired the famous brand, the Bozzi family has once again moved ahead to revitalize the historic brand. The Bozzi family has now licensed the Legnano brand to Cicli Esperia of Cavarzere; Cicli Esperia is also the owner of the Frondriest and Torpado brands.

The new Legnano models were introduced this past week at EXPOBICI; I hope to have photos in near future. 

Legnano is a very famous name in Italian cycling although the name has virtually disappered; they remain quite popular with vintage bike collectors however. The list of Legnano victories is long:

16 Giro d' Italia
1921 Brunero 1922 Brunero 1924 Enrici 1925 Binda
1926 Brunero 1927 Binda 1928 Binda 1929 Binda
1930 Marchisio 1932 Pesenti 1933 Binda 1936 Bartali
1937 Bartali 1940 Coppi 1946 Bartali 1958 Baldini

2 Tour de France
1938 Bartali 1948 Bartali

14 Giro di Lombardia
1923 Brunero 1924 Brunero 1925 Binda 1926 Binda
1927 Binda 1928 Belloni 1931 Binda 1936 Bartali
1939 Bartali 1940 Bartali 1941 Ricci 1946 Ricci
1950 Soldani 1952 Minardi

10 Milano - Sanremo
1922 Brunero 1924 Linari 1925 Girardengo 1926 Girardengo
1929 Binda 1931 Binda 1939 Bartali 1940 Bartali 1941 Favalli
1947 Bartali

7 Road World Championships
1927 Binda 1929 Bertolazzi 1930 Binda 1932 Binda
1955 Ranucci 1958 Baldini 1988 Fondriest

15 Road Italian National Championships

1924 Girardengo 1925 Girardengo 1926 Binda 1927 Binda
1928 Binda 1929 Binda 1930 Binda 1937 Bartali 1940 Bartali
1942 Coppi 1943 Ricci 1956 Albani 1957 Baldini
1958 Baldini 1963 La squadra


Hour World Records
7 December 1942 Fausto Coppi km. 45.848
9 Septemeber 1956 Ercole Baldini km. 46.394 (bicycle with claimed weight of 6.7 kg)

And,  numerous other victories such as in Giro del Piemonte, Giro di Toscana, etc.

I don't know if the history of the brand will be enough to bring it back to life. The field is terribly crowded. What do you think?

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Statue Dedicated to Franco Ballerini


A statue dedicated Franco Ballerini ws unveiled in Florence on Friday. Ballerini, who died unexpectedly on February 7, 2010, in a rally car crash, won Paris Roubaix in 1995 and 1998 and was coach of the Men’s Italian national team from the 1st of August 2001 until his death.

The sculpture was created by Giorgio Butini in white marble from Carrara.

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Gino Bartali Recognized as 'Righteous Among the Nations'


Late Italian cycling legend Gino Bartali has been recognized as 'Righteous Among the Nations' by the Israeli museum of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the organization's website said today. The details on www.yadvashem.org:

"Gino Bartali, born in Florence in 1914, was a champion road cyclist who won the Italian Giro d'Italia multi-stage race three times (in 1936, 1937 and 1946) and the Tour de France twice (in 1938 and 1948). Due to his remarkable sportive accomplishments, he became a most popular and widely admired national hero.

Bartali was a devout Catholic. According to his son, Andrea Bartali, Archbishop Elia Angelo Dalla Costa (recognized as Righteous Among the Nations in 2012) had married his parents and maintained a close relationship to their father. Consequently, following the German occupation of Italy in September 1943, Bartali, who was a courier for the resistance, came to play an important role in the rescue of Jews within the framework of the network initiated by Dalla Costa and Rabbi Nathan Cassuto. Bartali, who was known to cover large distances with his bicycle for training purposes, transferred forged documents that were hidden in the handlebar and seat of his bicycle from one place to another. His activity spanned over a wide area. He also distributed forged documents that were produced by the Assisi network, another rescue operation initiated by Church people in that town. When Bartali was stopped and searched, he specifically asked that his bicycle not be touched since the different parts were very carefully calibrated to achieve maximum speed.

Giulia Baquis told Yad Vashem that during the German occupation she was in hiding with her family at the home of two sisters in Lido di Camaiore in Tuscany. One day a cyclist arrived at the door with a package and enquired about her family. The older sister was away, and the other feared that the stranger was a collaborator, and therefore denied any knowledge of Baquis’ family. The courier left without delivering the package. After liberation the resistance member who had arranged the hiding place for them told Baquis’ parents that the messenger had been Gino Bartali. Another witness, Renzo Ventura heard his mother, Marcella Frankenthal-Ventura, say that she and her parents and sister had received false papers that were brought to them by Bartali on behalf of the Dalla Costa network.

The Goldenberg family had met Gino Bartali in 1941 in Fiesole. Shlomo Goldenberg-Paz, who was 9 years old at the time, told Yad Vashem that he remembered a meeting with Bartali and his relative Armando Sizzi, who was a close family friend. The two sat with Shlomo’s father and had “a discussion of adults”. He remembered the event well because the renowned cyclist had given him a bicycle and a photo with a dedication, which Goldbenberg-Paz has always kept. During 1941 the conversation with Bartali could not have dealt with illegal papers, but meeting his childhood hero became engraved in Goldenberg’s memory.

When later on, following the German occupation in 1943, the Goldenbergs went into hiding, Shlomo was first sent to a convent, but then joined his parents who were hiding in an apartment in Florence belonging to Bartali. The apartment was occupied by Armando Sizzi, but Goldenberg told Yad Vashem that his parents told him after the war that throughout that time Bartali helped and supported them. Goldenberg’s cousin, Auerlio Klein also fled to Florence because he had heard that one could obtain forged papers. He stayed in the apartment with the Goldenberg family for a short while, and then fled to Switzerland with the help of forged documents. Klein told Yad Vashem that Shlomo Goldenberg’s mother had received forged papers from Bartali, and that she was the only one in the family who dared set foot outside the apartment and go shopping.

After the war Bartali never spoke of his underground work during the German occupation. Hence many of his courageous endeavors remain unknown. Sara Corcos, who worked for the CDEC (Centro di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea) in Milan, told her niece, Shoshan Evron, the daughter of Rabbi Nathan Cassuto, that she had met Gino Bartali after the war. He emphatically refused to be interviewed, and said that he had been motivated by his conscience and therefore did not want to have his activity documented. Only when Corcos told him that she was related to the family of Rabbi Cassuto, a deeply moved Bartali agreed to speak, on condition that she would not record him. In the conversation that followed, Bartali told Corcos about the forged documents and about his role in distributing them."

Yad Vashem said Bartali, who died aged 85 in 2000, will be honored in a ceremony in Italy which has yet to be scheduled.

Related stories in ICJ:
Bartali - Tribute to the Italian Champion on Holocaust Memorial Day
Plaque Dedicated to Gino Bartali
More Gino Bartali Secrets Revealed

Book: "Road to Valor", the story of Gino Bartali 


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Friday, September 20, 2013

Trasé: Scandinavian design, Italian craftsmanship


Trasé, Norwegian for ‘route', is a new high-performance cycle clothing brand from Norway. Designed in Norway and Made in Italy with Italian fabrics, Trasé has launched uniquely styled bibshorts, jerseys, and caps.

Check out the Trasé website/products at: www.trase.no


Trasé - Jotunheimen from Trase on Vimeo.

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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Franco Ballerini Sculpture to be Unveiled in Florence


Franco Ballerini died unexpectedly on February 7, 2010, in a rally car crash leaving a real gap in the cycling world and not only. On Friday, September 20, two days before the beginning of the UCI Road World Championships, the statue dedicated to him, champion of the Paris Roubaix and coach of the Men’s Italian national team from the 1st of August 2001 until his death, will be inaugurated in Florence.

The meeting is at 1:00 PM at the Nelson Mandela Forum in Viale Paoli. The “Ballero”’s smile, his accomplishments, his spirit will be commemorated by the Stefania Saccardi, Deputy mayor of the City of Florence, Sergio Givone, Councillor for Culture of the City of Florence, Renato Di Rocco, President of the Italian Cycling Federation, Vincenzo Ceccarelli, President of the Institutional Committee, Riccardo Nencini, Senator, Alfredo Martini, Honorary President of the Italian Cycling Federation, and Mauro Ballerini, the “Ballero”’s brother.

The sculpture was created by Giorgio Butini in white marble from Carrara. The statue representing Ballerini on a bicycle while racing on the pavé of the “Monument” has been carved out from a 75 quintal block of marble selected by the artist. The statue is 2,40m high and will be placed in the square in front of the Mandela Forum, in front of the World Championships’ finish line.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Castelli Aero Race 5.0 Jersey for Italian National Team


The Italian nation team will be wearing this design for the World Championships based on the Castelli Aero Race 5.0 jersey. Castelli claims that in tests in the wind tunnel the aerodynamic jersey saves 20 watts each 40km/h compared to a traditional cycling shirt, equivalent to about 80 seconds saved every hour.

The World Championships are being held in Tuscany for the first time; dates September 22-29, 2013. The website is www.toscana2013.it.

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Something to be Learned

Turin, September 16:


Production of Alfa Romeo and Maserati automobiles will never be transferred from Italy, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said in an interview published Monday.

The head of the parent company for both premium Italian car brands explained that the luxury goods cache' of being made in Italy is too important for both.

''There is not a doubt in my mind that the origin of production is important to Maserati. I also think it's important for Alfa,'' Marchionne told the Financial Times.

''We will never build outside (Italy)...It may well be the next CEO that makes that call (to build elsewhere). But it's not me,'' Marchionne said.

Source: ANSA

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L'Eroica Japan

With L'Eroica in Chianti around the corner here is a video report of the first L'Eroica Japan which was held in May of this year. The start took place in Fuji Kawaguchiko-machi in the Yamanashi Prefecture where you could admire Mt. Fuji and the beautiful five lakes.

L'Eroica Japan became an official sister event of L'Eroica based upon an agreement signed in 2012.



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Monday, September 16, 2013

Olympia and Bianchi Win EXPOBICI Innovation Award

Olympia and Bianchi have won the 2013 EXPOBICI innovation award in the road bike category.

The new "Leader" model for 2014 from Olympia features a from the ground-up aero design with disc brakes (photos courtesy of info@olympiacicli.co.uk):


Olympia website: www.olympiacicli.it

Bianchi won the award for its Infinito CV (Countervail) with anti-vibration technology:


Bianchi Infinito CV, no more vibrations: look the difference! from Bianchi on Vimeo.

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.

Bartolomeo Bittini

Learned of another person known for modifying Brooks saddles, Bartolomeo Bittini of Firenze. Previously we have discussed Giuseppe Ottusi and Giorgio Siligardi.

This Bittini saddle is on a 1976 De Rosa:




Any specific information about Bartolomeo Bittini is welcomed.

Photos: used with permission

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Zoncolan and Trieste, Grand Finale of 2014 Giro d'Italia

The 2014 Giro d’Italia will finish in the Fruili Venezia Giulia region and decide the winner of the 97th edition of the Giro. The Grande Arrivo in Trieste follows the monster Zoncolan climb and is poignant as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the annexation of the regional capital to Italy.

The return of the finish to the area reinforces the strong bond between the Giro d’Italia and the region: it was the scene of the Grande Partenza of the Giro from Trieste in 1981, and three Grandi Arrivi, including two in Trieste 1966 (won by Gianni Motta) and 1973 (Eddy Merckx), and one in Udine in 1983 (Giuseppe Saronni).

The area remains etched in the history of the Italy – and not just for cycling as, after the annexation of the area to Italy, the Giro ended in Trieste. It was 30 June, 1946, and during the stage Rovigo – Trieste anti-Italians activists, in favor of the annexation of Trieste to Yugoslavia, blocked the caravan of the Giro about 2km east of Pieris, blocking the road with concrete blocks and targeting armed Italian guards by throwing stones and nails. The organization of the Giro had already decided to close the stage in Pieris, with equal times for everyone, but some racers – led by Giordano Cottur – insisted on reaching Trieste anyway. Some riders were escorted on military vehicles up to Grignano, from where they headed for the finish line and made for the hippodrome of Montebello in the north of Trieste, where they were hailed and carried in triumph by the inhabitants of the city.

This year, the climb of the Monte Zoncolan will prove instrumental in deciding the final selection of this edition before the Great Arrival in Trieste.


Saturday 31 May, 2014 will see Stage 20, 167km from Maniago – Monte Zoncolan (click on image above to enlarge). The first portion of the stage winds it way through the hills of Friuli along roads that, for the most part, have previously never been touched by the Giro d’Italia. The route will go though well-known places such as Daniele del Friuli and Majano, as well as less well-known places such as Buia and Bordano. After Tolmezzo the riders will face the mountain factor: first, the Passo del Pura, then the Sella di Razzo, and finally Monte Zoncolan from the classic line of Ovaro.

Passo del Pura is a steady climb that runs along the side of the mountain in a series of switchbacks for about 9km at an average gradient of 8% but with peaks in double figures. A short descent will bring the race to the dam of Sauris lake where the race will turn upwards once more for the ascent of the 15km-long Sella Razzo, with its average gradient of 5.5%, but with peaks over 10%. Following a long and rapid descent towards Ovaro in the valley before tackling the 10.1km Zoncolan with its average gradient of 11.9% and peaks over 20%.

It will be the fourth time that a stage of the Giro d’Italia concludes with an uphill finish on Monte Zoncolan – once it climbed from the slope of Sutrio while the other three climbed from Ovaro. The winners were Gilberto Simoni (2003 and 2007), Ivan Basso (2010), and Igor Anton (2011).


The next day, Sunday 1 June, 2014, will see the 21st and final stage of the 97th Giro, taking in 169km from Gemona del Friuli – Trieste (click on image above to enlarge).

The stage follows a generally downhill profile towards the lowlands and the regional capital. Passing through places of historical interest – such as Cividale del Friuli and his Devil's Bridge, with its Redipuglia Ossuary of the twelve battles of the Isonzo, and the Maximilian of Habsburg’s Miramare Castle – the riders will eventually reach Trieste where the race will end following eight laps of the city’s 7.3km fast circiut, with only one slight rise.

Michele Acquarone, RCS Sport Managing director: “In a sport such as cycling, loved all over the world, we are lucky enough to organise one of the two most important events globally. An important feature is that, as you well know, cycling takes place on the streets of cities, towns and countryside – not indoors – and this gives us wide open spaces to promote the area. In 2014 this area promotion will be dedicated to Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Giro will finish in Trieste but also travel through the Monte Zoncolan and numerous villages. It is a unique opportunity: history, tourism, culture. Opportunities for everybody to highlight all the excellence that this area has to offer.

“The 2014 Giro will start from Belfast before moving to Dublin to eventually end in Trieste, coinciding the 60th anniverssary of the annexation of the city to Italy. The message is that something beautiful, like the Giro, can go beyond sport and unite peoples and cultures."

Mauro Vegni, Giro d’Italia race director: “After all the issues with the Crostis stage in 2011 we were very motivated to return the Giro d’Italia in its full splendor to Friuli Venezia Giulia. This year we had two beautiful stages rich in meaning: the uphill finish of Montasio Plateau and the Cave del Predil – Vajont one. For 2014, we all had a strong desire to return to the Monte Zoncolan with a stage that could be decisive in deciding the final general classification of the Corsa Rosa. Thanks to the collaboration of our partners – Enzo Cainero in particular – and local administrations, we then began nursing the dream to conclude the 97th edition of the Corsa Rosa in one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, Piazza Unità d'Italia, here in Trieste. I am very pleased to be able to make the announcement that this is exactly what we’re doing. In advance I want to thank all the volunteers that, with their help, will make the success of this event possible."

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Silca Sold, Production Will Move to Indianapolis

Anyone that has been around cycling for awhile recognizes the Silca name, the pump company Felice Sacchi founded in 1917 in a country torn apart by World War I (read more about its history here).

Italy's economic crisis is seeing small and medium-sized businesses, the backbone of Italy's economy, struggling to stay open or close. It's in this environment that we learn that SILCA has been sold by the Sacchi family to Joshua Poertner, the former technical director of Zipp Speed Weaponry. He will be bringing the brand and manufacturing to Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.



“I am both thrilled and honored to be entrusted with this great and historic brand. To me Silca has always represented passion, craftsmanship, and timeless functionality. I look forward to merging these values with advanced engineering capabilities and U.S. manufacturing here in Indianapolis," said Poertner.

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.   
 

New LeMond Bicycles with Campagnolo 80th Anniversary


Once again there will be LeMond bicycles as Greg LeMond introduces three models next week at Interbike. The frames will be made by Time, the French manufacturer. Each bike will have Campagnolo's 80th anniversary gruppo and Valentino Campagnolo will be with LeMond at the introduction.

According to Bicycle Retailer, "The three models will have color schemes based on LeMond's Tour de France victories in 1986, 1989 and 1990."

Photo: Bicycle Retailer 

Related story:
My Greg LeMond "Olive Oil" story


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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.   

From Velo to Vino, Francesco Moser


Wine Spectator's Katherine Cole sat down to interview Francesco Moser, his son Carlo—vice president of the Trento DOC, for an article that appears in the new issue of Wine Spectator magazine. Francesco Moser won the World Cycling Championship in 1977, the Paris-Roubaix three years in a row (1978-'80) and the Giro d'Italia in 1984. Today he runs his Azienda Agricola Moser in Trento with the help of two of his children and two nephews. The issue is on newsstands.

A peak at the Moser museum


Related stories:
Moser Museum (opened in 2012); see video
Spumante 51.151 

Museo Moser (Moser Museum) is located at the family vineyard of Maso Villa Warth in Gardolo (Trento). The museum is dedicated to the entire Moser family, from Trento, which has a long and successful history in professional racing.

In 1973, brothers Diego, Aldo, Enzo and Francesco were all on the Filotex professional team.

Aldo Moser raced in 16 Giro d'Italia, highest placed as 5th in 1956 and wearing the pink jersey for two days. He was 3rd in the Tour di Suisse in 1962. He won the Grand Prix des Nations in 1959 in the TT, and won several races of that level.

Enzo Moser wore the pink jersey in the Giro d'Italia for two days in 1964.

Francesco Moser won the Giro d'Italia in 1984, won Paris-Roubaix three consecutive times (1978-1980), won the world road racing championship in San Cristobal, Venezuela in 1977, and in 1984, in Mexico City, Moser broke the famed 1972 hour record of Eddy Merckx.

Currently, Moreno Moser is riding for Liquigas-Cannondale.


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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.   



Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Pompeiana Photos: the New Climb in Milan-Sanremo

Earlier today came news that the ascent of Le Manie has been removed from the 2014 edition of Milan-Sanremo and is replaced by the climb of Pompeiana near the end of the race.

My thanks to reader Gian Marco who sends two photographs that he took today showing the most difficult section of the Pompeiana climb where there are two switchbacks and three ramps, here the grade is 14% at the steepest point (click on photos to enlarge).

The green dot is where the photo of the lower switchback, below, is taken from

Arrows show course direction

Grazie Gian Marco!

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.   

2014 Milan-Sanremo Route Change & New Amateur Race

The 105th edition of the Milano-Sanremo, which takes place on Sunday 23 March 2014, will see a changed race route: the ascent of Le Manie has been removed and is replaced by the climb of Pompeiana at the end of the race.

After the legendary 2013 edition, which saw a brutal snowstorm and was won in a spring finish by German Gerald Ciolek (Team MTN), the organisers, RCS Sport/La Gazzetta dello Sport, are making the Classicissima route more and more spectacular and unpredictable by removing the Le Manie ascent and the addition of the new 5km long Pompeiana climb between Cipressa and Poggio. The finish line itself remains unchanged on Lungomare Italo Calvino in Sanremo.
The new Milano – Sanremo race route is 299 km (click to enlarge):

Pompeiana: Technical Details 
3.5km after the descent of the Cipressa, the riders leave the Aurelia road and begin the start of the climb of the Pompeiana.

The climb, which is 5km long with an average gradient of 5% and a maximum of 14% at its steepest point, begins steadily at 6-7% before narrowing slightly, flattens and kicks with a very hard 500m section consisting of a pair left/right bends with a gradient between 10-14%.

A gradual slop follows on with a narrow track up to top of the climb, 20.7km from the finish, and then up to Castellaro. Here the twisty technical descent begins that takes the riders down to Arma di Taggia where the route re-joins the Aurelia and the historical race route. From here, there is just 4.4km of racing to be done before the start of the crucial Poggio climb.

Amateur Race
On the morning of Sunday 23 March, the day of the pro race, will be the “La Sanremo” amateur race. The amateurs will both start and finish from Sanremo (starting at 7am).

The amateur route will re-trace much of the final of the Milano-Sanremo route itself, with the Poggio as the attack springboard before the finish under the prestigious finish arc of the Lungomare Italo Calvino.

All race categories will be available for entrants on the new website (www.lasanremo.it), which will be online from Friday 24 October; registration will be opened on 31 October. Packages for competing amateurs and their families will be available – please see the site for details.

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.   


Monday, September 9, 2013

Alé: New Cycling Clothes Brand by APG of Verona

Verona based APG, a leader in technical cycling clothes, launches a new brand. APG, after having developed hundreds of products and having worked for the most prestigious international brands over thirty years, has decided to launch their own brand that relies on an unmatched experience.

Alessia Piccolo, APG general manager, explains the choice of the name for the new brand: “There isn't incitement easier and more widespread, you hear it all the time, shouted by fans to incite cyclists during the race, but it is also the most popular incitement among amateurs cyclists to incite each other when fatigue begins to be felt. It joins all: the effort, the passion, the joy. It has an optimistic connotation that looks forward. For this reasons we thinks that "Alé" is the right name for a brand that, according to the philosophy of APG, wants to look ahead, but, at the same time, wants to be for everyone, pros and amateurs”.

Pro debut of new brand at Giro Rosa

Product intro at Eurobike
Contact information:
A.P.G. srl
Via Marco Biagi 1
37060 Bonferraro di Sorgà (VR) Italia
tel.+39 045 6655175
web: www.apgcycling.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, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.  



Sunday, September 8, 2013

Upgrade to the Full 3T Look

Buy any Ergonova Team edition bar, and 3T will give you for free a matching Arx stem to go with it. For the Ergonova Stealth Team bar, use the promotional code ergonovastealth-arx on the Ergonova STEALTH page or use the promotional code ergonova-arx on the TEAM page for the regular TEAM bar.

Click here for the TEAM version or click here for your STEALTH version. 

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. 



Friday, September 6, 2013

2014 Giro d'Italia

Although the official 2014 Giro d'Italia presentation is scheduled for October 7th, the day after Il Lombardia, the final stages of the Giro will be revealed in a presentation in Trieste next Friday, September 13th.

There had been consideration given to a 2x Zoncolan stage on May 31st but that idea may have died due to complications. We will just have to wait and see....

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. 

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Piedmont Cycling Resort

News from CycleItalia: "We've teamed up with Hotel Ariotto to offer you something new, Piedmont Cycling Resort. With this new program you can enjoy the Monferrato hills with an ala carte itinerary designed by YOU. Come for just two nights or stay for weeks, it's your choice. With no fixed arrival or departure dates, no schedules, you are in control of your vacation. Enjoy B&B in the hotel or take a self-catering apartment. Rent a car and drive yourself there or opt for an airport shuttle. Bring your own bicycle or rent one from the hotel. Ride, relax, eat, repeat. It's all designed to give you the utmost in flexibility."

More details will be available soon on www.cycleitalia.com but here is some more information:

"We've lost count of the times that guests, after sampling the cycling and gastronomic opportunities at this peaceful wine country hotel, have asked, "Why can't we just stay HERE for the entire week?" Now you can. Spend as much time as you like at Hotel Ariotto in the Monferrato hills. Relax by the panoramic pool, ride a variety of scenic loops or combine both for a truly relaxing and enchanting sample of the Piemontese lifestyle.

We've joined forces with Hotel Ariotto (our HQ, featured in BICYCLING Magazine July 2013) to bring you Piedmont Cycling Resort. Come for as little as two days or stay for a week or longer, it's your choice. Enjoy B&B lodging in the hotel with plenty of options for lunch and dinner or take a self-catering apartment and cook for yourself using products from the local market. Either way, it's cycling heaven.

Ariotto features free laundry facilities, a spacious bike garage/workshop, easy access from the A26 autostrada and a variety of other activities (vineyard visits, etc.) to make this a memorable vacation for everyone.

Pricing is ala carte:

Two-night stay $299 (hotel, B&B, per person/double occupancy)
includes lodging and ride routes

Single supplement $100 / additional hotel nights $100 per person

Self-catering apartment $1298 includes ride routes
(no meals included, one week minimum, up to two persons)

Bike rental $299 up to one week
(limited sizes and quantities, call for details)

Airport transportation to/from Malpensa airport $199 (each way)."

Contact CycleItalia for more details.

Photo: Jered Gruber for BICYCLING magazine's July 2013 issue "Feast Your Thighs on Piedmont, Italy" (linked above).

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.     

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Eurobike, Summary

The bicycle has arrived on the political stage: full speed ahead for bikes. The visit by the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Eurobike in Friedrichshafen definitely got mobility on two wheels off and running. "For the international bike world and for the Eurobike, the fact that Mrs. Dr. Angela Merkel came to Friedrichshafen was a strong political signal,” Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann said at the end of the show, looking back at the ‘big bike summit’. Head of the Eurobike Stefan Reisinger observed that "the Chancellor’s presence was noted with great pleasure by everyone involved.” This was reflected by heavy attendance at the international bike trade show, which came to an end on Saturday after four successful days. With 45,200 trade visitors from 111 countries (2012: 43,700) as well as 20,400 bike fans on public day and 1,883 media representatives from 45 countries, the bike event at Lake Constance achieved a "very good result.”


A total of 1,280 exhibitors from 54 countries presented an impressive international selection in 14 exhibition halls, accompanied by just about 300 world premieres. Visitors journeyed from all across the world to Friedrichshafen, resulting in an international participation rate of 56 percent. All in all, visitors came from 111 countries this year (2012: 97 countries).


Mobility on two wheels was on display in all its diversity. On Saturday, trade visitors, journalists and consumers tried out the newest models with and without electric drive. Cargo bikes are trending strongly. Folding bikes are promoting mobility; their owners always have their equipment with them, ready and set to go. The political message was clear, and not just for the German Chancellor: Biking gets everyone in a good mood and simply has a future.

Dates for the Eurobike 2014
The dates for the Eurobike 2014 have been set: The international cycling trade show will take place from Wednesday, August 27 to Saturday, August 30, 2014. Demo Day will be held on Tuesday, August 26 and public day will be Saturday, August 30, 2014.

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.    

Monday, September 2, 2013

The De Rosa 60th Anniversary Bicycles

Click on images to enlarge. More details for each model, all of which will be custom made in Italy, at www.derosablacklabel.it. Each frame carries the "Sessanta" label for "sixtieth".
"1953, Steel: For enthusiasts of this noble material, the bike is made only from steel. A resistant material. De Rosa has 60 years of history in the processing of steel. We know all its virtues and know how to get the best out of it. For this reason, even after 60 years, each steel frame is like it is the first frame for us."

"1992, Titanium: The material. Full stop. To work titanium requires specialist knowledge and skill. This knowledge and skill that De Rosa has developed in almost 20 years makes each frame an aesthetic and performance work of art."

"1996, Aluminium: There are many aluminium alloys that are utilized and in De Rosa we use only the best. Aluminium represents a turning point in frame manufacturing, giving the possibility of developing new frame concepts, thanks to its ductility, lightness and resistance. We still believe in aluminium."

"2000, Carbon: The reference material for all current frames. Rigid, light, resistant, reactive and comfortable. Carbon fibre is without doubt the present and the future of cycling. De Rosa proposes a blend of hi-modul carbon, the fibres of which are hand-layered in our workshop in Cusano."

You can use the custom search feature in the upper right to find many articles about De Rosa in ICJ. 

Follow on Twitter: ITALIANCYCJOURN or receive an email when new content is added using the "Follow by Email" button on the right side column. With more than 3,000 stories in this blog the custom search feature (right column) works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button underneath the search button.

Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.