An epochal choice for the organizers of the oldest, and one of the largest, Granfondo in the world, and something this had to happen with an historical brand, always focused on the made in Italy passion and style.
120 years of history for the group led by Riccardo Bigoli, 47 years for the event that created the world of Granfondos driven by the A.S.D. Fausto Coppi in Cesenatico. 167 years of cycling experience in total. This union stands out together the Italian handcrafts and the passion for cycling, willing to expand borders and reaching new emerging markets.
The overlap is of course Marco Pantani, raised by the A.S.D. Fausto Coppi where he started his career, and main testimonial of the Selle Italia brand that even proposed “The Pirate” saddle in his golden ages.
Alessandro Spada, president both of the A.S.D. Fausto Coppi and the Nove Colli: “It has been an hard choice because of our jealousy for what we have done just for passion in this half century. However on the other side there was not an ordinary brand, but a piece of cycling history; an Italian company based on the fine principle of handcrafting, in his own dimension even in this time of huge globalization. It couldn’t grow anything but a strong union and I’m sure that those are going to be three exciting years that will bring a new refreshing international spirit to the Nove Colli.”
Riccardo Bigolin, Selle Italia vice-president: “There are many reasons why we have chosen to give birth to this important partnership, but I think we can sum them up in three main aspects: history, people, passion.
First of all history: in 2017 Selle Italia will celebrate his 120th birthday, a prestigious goal we decided to celebrate with the Queen of Granfondos, the oldest in Europe, creating a union that brings together 167 years of cycling – an heritage very hard to replicate not only in Italy but in the whole world.
Secondly, the people. I can’t help but quoting my friend Armando Zamprogna, that twenty years ago led Selle Italia to join this important journey with the Nove Colli. My thoughts are also for the Pref. Roberto Sgalla, Central Chief of Specialities for the State Police, the man we are sharing with an important project focused on the safety for all the cyclists.
Finally, passion. The joy and the energy that we put everyday in our work are the result of a passion that has been connecting us with a wonderful sport like cycling since a long time ago – I personally had the chance to appreciate how the group of people that works on the preparation of the Nove Colli is first of all moved by passion – and this is what brings us together creating a very strong combination.
Together we want to take a big look at the world, increasing the audience of this important event, knowing that this experience deserves to be lived by as many cycling fans as possible.”