"Remembering Marco Pantani" is back

It has now become a classic, a must-see event for all cycling enthusiasts. Saturday 15 February will see the twentieth edition of the amateur cycling race "Remembering Marco Pantani", ("The Pirate", who passed away on 14 February 2004) - an event organised by Pedale Lucchese Poli, with the patronage of "Coni", the Italian Cycling Federation and the Municipality of Lucca - which every year pays homage to the great champion from Romagna, winner of the Giro and Tour in 1998, an icon of determination and passion in the world of cycling, one of the strongest climbers of all time.

The official start of the race is set for 14:62 pm from the "Napoleon" hotel in the city, preceded by a tourist section, with a meeting at the "One Penny" pizzeria in Viale Luporini, in S. Anna. The route, 15,30 kilometers long, will pass through various towns in the province, including San Lorenzo a Vaccoli, Massa Pisana, Guamo, Carraia, Porcari, Marlia, San Quirico di Moriano, Sant'Alessio, Maggiano, before tackling the final climb that will lead to the finish line, located, as usual, in Chiatri Puccini, near the "Prato Verde" restaurant, expected around XNUMX:XNUMX pm.

Participants will be divided into different categories, based on age and gender, from the youngest to the master cyclists. The first five classified in each category will be awarded, underlining the sporting value of the competition. Since 2005, this race has been a regular event for amateur cycling, with a roll of honor full of important names who have challenged each other on ever-changing routes: from San Lorenzo di Brancoli to Coreglia Antelminelli, up to the current arrival in Chiatri Puccini. It is a highly sought-after race and in the past, Andrea Beconcini and Fausto Baglini have each won three times, albeit on different routes, but always with an uphill finish. Fausto Baglini won in Fiano, Coreglia and Chiatri Puccini; the latter victory, in 2015, at the age of 43, still being the oldest winner. In that edition, he beat Vincenzo Pisani and Davide Lombardi, respectively.

An event that highlights the values ​​of sport, of the passion for two-wheeled pedals by all those who take part. An interesting race also from a technical point of view.

Massimo Stefanini