Bored of USADA and the UCI? Here’s Mario Cipollini.
Cipollini
Euro Foods: Italian Ice-cream
In a series of food linked to cycling, some things are more obvious than others. Pasta in Italy links local produce with an important source of fuel for the cyclist; coffee is both a stimulant, a source of warmth in the winter and part of the culture in many countries. Ice cream might not seem so related to cycling but it is widely available in Italy and during the summer months can almost replace the espresso as a pick-up.
Game over for Super Mario?
You almost have to check that it’s not 1 April with this morning’s news that Mario Cipollini is talking of a comeback in order to help young sprinter Andrea Guardini in the Giro. Nevermind that Cipollini is 45, nor that he’s weighing 90 kilo – no flab, extra muscle we are assured – there’s a simple reason why he can’t ride the Giro this year: the UCI rulebook.
Wild Chicken Dance
Olé! First was Mario Cipollini, the suave, macho rider who was also a top media operator. The Tuscan rider featured on hit Italian TV show Ballando con Le Stelle, or Dancing With The Stars, a prime time TV hit featuring celebrities learning to dance, accompanied by dance professionals. You’ve probably seen it where you live, … Read more
Cipollini, the showman
Mention the word “Cipollini” and a warm smile appears on my face. No other rider I’ve known has combined excitement, style and charisma like Mario Cipollini. I’ve been following pro cycling since 1988 so that’s practically a quarter century of riders. If some dress for dinner, here was a man who would don a cream … Read more