In 1994 Marco Pantani wrote the story, with an epic feat in a stage of the Giro d’Italia that has become legendary: the Merano-Aprica. There, among the hairpin bends of the Mortirolo Pass, the young cyclist from Cesenatico became “The Pirate”, officially entering the myth. Today the Mortirolo Pass, the iconic Alpine pass and scene of many “stages” of the Corsa Rosa, could be named in memory of the unforgettable champion from Romagna, who tragically passed away on 14 February 2004.
Mortirolo-Cima Pantani, green light from mother Tonina
The process for changing the name of Mortirolo has officially begun. It was started, as reported by Ansa, by a super fan of the “Pirate”, Lorenzo Tomasi from Montagna di Valtellina, in the province of Sondrio. It was he who set the bureaucratic machine in motion, first of all making contact with Mrs. Tonina, Marco’s mother. She explained her project, combining the name of the Mortirolo pass with that of Marco Pantani, and the authorization arrived practically instantly.
Mortirolo, tribute to the Pirate: the next steps
Tomasi himself illustrated the next steps: “The president of the Tourist Consortium, Gigi Negri, after the authorization received from Mrs. Tonina, hopes that the two municipalities of Mazzo in Valtellina and Monno, in the province of Brescia, will soon adopt the required resolution to name the Mortirolo Pass ‘Cima Pantani’. Subsequently – added the promoter of the initiative – the date of the inauguration of the new statue of Mark will be agreed with the various actors, which is being prepared, thanks also to the contributions that Gigi Negri is finding, and at the same time proceed with the officialization of the dedication”.
Cima Coppi and Cima Pantani: champions who have become legends
Until now the only climb of the Giro systematically combined with a great champion of the past is the ‘Cima Coppi’, the Mountain Grand Prix placed at the highest altitude. This is a title that changes from year to year, with each edition of the Giro d’Italia, since each year the highest climb can change compared to that of the previous year. The Mortirolo Pass would instead become permanently ‘Cima Pantani’. Another way, yet another, which testifies to the still alive bond between Pantani and the many cycling enthusiasts who have not forgotten him. They never will.
