And historic dayfor San Marino and the Riviera, with the passage of the Tour de France: a first stage that is the hardest in history From Florence to Rimini, 206 km, 3600 mt difference in altitude. The Titan protagonist with the Gran Premio della Montagna set right at the Porta del Paese. A unique and exceptional event also for Rimini. Where 20 years ago he found his end, Mark Pantani returns to live and breathe with the hearts of millions of fans through the homage to his figure, created by a world-famous designer and wanted by a group of private entrepreneurs who still have in their eyes the legendary exploits of the ‘Pirate’, at the Tour like at the Giro d’Italia.
An installation 5 meters high and 4 meters wideforever fixes the silhouette of Pantani at the end of one of his most famous rides in the myth: the arrival at the finish line of Oropa at the pink race in 1999.
A pool of sponsors was involved to carry out this work, in which an active contribution was made Aldo Drudiwho collaborated for a long time with Pantani, taking care of his image for a period, and today signing the installation.
It was placed in the square on the water of Rimini and metaphorically symbolizes a return to the origins for Pantani, a reunion with his home. The Marecchia park it is in fact a place full of symbolism, a point of union and border, where the sea meets the land. “Our goal is to touch the hearts of the fans, paying homage to a person who was a dear friend to me. For the first time, I allowed myself to deal with Marco’s image after his passing, hoping to have done so in a way respectful”, explains the designer Aldo Drudi.
The installation will remain in the setting of the two-thousand-year-old Tiberius Bridge until the Pink Night and then be permanently transferred to another area of the city, chosen together with the citizens, so that the Pirate remains in the hearts of everyone, from travelers to passers-by. “It is a true bridge between generations, an artistic work that integrates advanced technologies to capture the courage and passion of a man who faced and overcame numerous obstacles, on the street and outside – commented the mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad -. With this initiative, Rimini not only pays homage to an illustrious athlete from Romagna, but also takes on the role of guardian of a precious legacy. Our wish today is that, thanks to this splendid installation, the great heron Marco Pantani opens his wings again for the love of all of us who will never forget him.
