«As a child I took holidays in Bellaria, it will be like going back in time»

There are the cyclists, then there are the champions and at the top there are the legends: one of these,  Beppe Saronni, on May 21st 2023 will make his debut at Nove Colli. Winner of two Giri d'Italia, a Giro di Lombardia, one Fleche-Wallone and World Champion on the road in 1982 at Goodwood. It is the first time that he takes part in a Granfondo, and he will do it so right on the streets of Cesenatico.

«I have just returned from the first ride preparing the Nove Colli, I have a whole meticulous schedule to get ready. I don't want to arrive unprepared and I have to put gas in my legs. A clarification that I want to make immediately: the bicycle with which I will face the Nove Colli will be strictly the muscle one, no help!». Even though Saronni's story and words, one perceives the grit and competitive spirit that are innate qualities that then never go away for life. But inside the first Nove Colli that Giuseppe Saronni will race there is also a lot of romance. «When I was a child, my family spent the traditional August holidays in Bellaria and instead of going to the beach, I preferred to train and ride on these roads. Coming back here will be like going back to those happy times and I expect to experience a unique emotion». Unique like the Nove Colli whose history and mythical aura Saronni knows well. «I've been hearing about the Nove Colli for so many years that I feel like I know it well but now I want to discover it first-hand. This will be my debut not only here but ever: I've never "attached" the number to a Granfondo and I could only start with the best».