The exhibition, available from today until June 21st at the Gallery of the Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, represents an exciting journey through some of the main symbols of Italian cycling, from the Ciclamino jersey and the White jersey of the Giro d’Italia 2024 to the Championships jersey Italian, right down to the prestigious jerseys of the national, Olympic and Paralympic teams: each piece on display tells a story of passion, sacrifice and triumph, of territory and country, already giving a glimpse of the successes of the future.
The event, strongly desired byto the President of the Professional Cycling League, Hon. Roberto Pella, in collaboration with the Italian Cycling Federationsaw the ribbon cutting and the inaugural speech by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Hon. Lorenzo Fontana: “Cycling is also a question of feelings. I was a great fan. I remember Bugno, Chiappucci, the challenges with Indurain. And then 1994, a particular year for me. I was in hospital. And the very day I was discharged, Marco Pantani scored his first victory in the Giro which for me was almost a symbolic rebirth after a very difficult period. Cycling expresses the ability and commitment to overcome difficulties It’s a training ground for thousands of kilometers, there are thousands of difficulties to overcome. I wish young cyclists like Antonio Tiberi and Giulio Pellizzari great success of those who don’t give up and fight to overcome difficulties”.
Also the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, intended to send an auspicious message: “The value of the jersey for a cyclist taking part in a major competition has a close relationship with his colour, which is earned through merit: by pedaling, toiling, sweating, excelling. It is the color of the shirt worn that makes the difference and it will be by this that the cycling athlete will be recognised. It is the color of the jersey that fans look for when they wait for their champions to speed along the edges of the roads. Being able to admire some of them here in Rome, starting from the Azzurra of the Italian national team, together with the “Endless Trophy”, gives us an exciting journey into a sport full of charm, history and epic feats, of which the Giro d’Italia , a national heritage, is the maximum expression. I thank my dear friend Roberto Pella for this splendid idea. Even in his new role as president of the Professional Cycling League he immediately started with the right gear, preferring, rather than ‘following the lead’, to ‘follow the train’, leader of a group where passion and dedication will make the difference.” .
For its part, Roberto Pella, in outlining the mandate of the new Lega Board of Directors who took office a few weeks ago, he continued: “I am proud and happy to bring to the attention and sensitivity of my fellow Members the issues that closely concern the world of Italian cycling which enjoys an excellent state of health, thanks to constant promotion and development work at all levels, from youth categories to professionals. This exhibition is not only a tribute to our champions, but also an opportunity to bring the general public closer to the history and values of cycling. A special thanks and good luck for the upcoming international objectives goes to the Italian Cycling Federation and its President for their constant commitment.”
So, in fact, the President CONI Giovanni Malagò: “”Congratulations to the Honorable and President of the National Cycling League, Roberto Pella, for this initiative realized thanks to the institutional sensitivity and hospitality of the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana. The display of the most significant jerseys ennobles the importance of the cycling, which has always been synonymous with success and universality, has historical roots that make us proud and is on the podium of all time among those that have won the greatest number of Olympic medals in our country: the first ever five-circle victory this fantastic sport dates back to 1900, with Brusoni, right in Paris. An encouraging premise in view of the now imminent Olympic Games in the French capital.”
A comment which was followed by the speech of the federal President Cordiano Dagnoni: “I thank President Fontana for welcoming cycling into one of the symbolic places of our country. We hope that the interest of the institutions in us will strengthen the process of raising awareness about a sport capable of stimulating the economy, promoting the territories, training the new generations through values such as commitment, loyalty and teamwork. Wearing the blue or tricolor jersey is every cyclist’s dream. I am sure that whoever will be called upon to do so at the next Olympics will give their all knowing that, in that moment, they will not only represent themselves and our sport, but an entire country.”
To enrich the event, two very important testimonies from athletes: the winner of the white jersey at the Giro d’Italia 2024, Andrea Tiberi and the young cyclist Giulio Pellizzari, of the Italian team VF Group Bardiani CSF Faizanè, 2nd in the Santa Cristina stage in Val Gardena.
Also on display in the President’s Gallery in recent days is the “Endless Trophy”, symbol of the primacy par excellence of the most loved and followed cycling competition in our country, the Giro d’Italia.
