Imola, 27 May 2024 – It was a success solidarity cycling race ‘Imola Charity Bike’ to support research on cystic fibrosis. A day of celebration, sport and hope at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack, promoted by delegation from Imola and Romagna of the Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation led by Patrizia Baroncini, which brought together over 500 people including professional athletes, enthusiasts, influencers and young students from the surrounding schools. The target? Maintain high attention on the serious genetic disease which is the most widespread in Europe and on research to reach the finish line of a cure within everyone’s reach.
A six-hour competition on pedal vehicles, in endurance format, which saw the individual category prevail men under 45 Enrico Ferrian ahead of Marco Sancarlo and Massimo Raimondi, while among the over 45s first Fausto Domenicali who beat Guido Frigeri and Davide Loreti. In the over 45 team class, success went to Team Kronomix, which preceded the veterans of Mercatone Uno, while among the under 45 teams there are Black Jobs then Bike Room and Team Passion Faentina. The SkaraZini Race Team did well among the mixed teams. Many well-known names at the start: from Matteo Marzotto, president of the Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation, to professional cyclists Max Lelli, Alan MarangoniGiorgio Brambilla passing through the Paralympic champion Fabrizio Macchi.
But also the cycling tourist influencer Veronica Santandrea (known on social media as Cara Biga, ed.), the Veronese councilor Tommaso Ferrari and the former riders of Marco Pantani’s legendary Mercatone Uno such as Marcello Siboni, Cristian Moreni, Roberto Conti and Fabiano Fontanelli. Also with them is Edoardo Hensemberger, a boy with cystic fibrosis being treated with a new drug.
Among the guests for the ritual greetings, however, a last minute surprise Alberto Tomba to keep the mayor Marco Panieri company, the councilor Elena Penazzi and to the members of the Alpini Group involved in some logistics. The competitive part was also accompanied by a training activity, including sport, teaching and safety, which involved many students of primary and secondary schools in the area. “Amateur cycling events like this fuel the passion for sport even among the little ones for healthy physical activity to be shared with family and friends in total safety – said Marzotto –. The prestigious location of the Enzo e Dino Ferrari, then, has encouraged us even more to support research and find the cure for all those people with cystic fibrosis who are still orphans of therapy.”
The prologue to the event was also excellent with a large audience, and a good haul in terms of fundraising, from the Charity Dinner at Palazzo Sersanti together with the Cassa di Risparmio Imola Foundation.
