Masini's Breaking Away Blog

Bianchi's Celeste...

2012-01-26T07:40:00.000-05:00

Italian Cycling Journal just posted about the origins of the Bianchi celeste color. I'll add one more reason that I've heard, which is that the blue paint wasn't 'cut' with white to make it less militaristic, but that hard times during the war led to shortages and the resulting mixing and thinning of available paint. Remember, up until that point, Bianchi had been known for it's sky blue (which is actually what 'celeste' translates into).

In the comments to the ICJ post, Prolly linked over to his post of a Bianchi ad that I'm pretty sure he mashed up his track frame of choice into an ad from 1984. This got me thinking back to the one ad that caught my eye from 1983 and led me to my first Italian bike (yep, a Bianchi). Here it is... there was something so foreign and unique about this color and so simple about the ad that it just stuck. It's a pretty bold move and a smart marketing idea from Bianchi USA (I'm fairly certain the Italian arm didn't come up with this!).

Which of course leads me to another couple of ads from 1985 which made enough of an impression that I found myself in front of a bike shop in the Veneto snapping photos through the glass of a closed shop of this bike (from one of my first posts on this blog!).

Which finally takes me to this cheap imitation of the original ad! Sorry, Cino!

More Tommasini Love...

2011-12-16T23:55:00.000-05:00

And here are some scans of the Tommasini 1992 lineup.

Meeting Tommasini

2011-12-16T23:08:00.000-05:00

While studying abroad in Florence WAY back when, I had my dream bike with me. One long weekend in January of '92, I took the train to Grosseto to meet il Signore. That was the name given to Irio Tommasini in an article I stripped from its issue long ago. I had been a fan of Tommasini since I had started riding, the name sounding as sexy and utterly Italian as the wild-colored bikes he produced. Of course, the late 80's in rural Iowa was not the best place to learn about Italian cycling masterpieces.

with Irio...

Daughter Barbara met me at the train station and I proceeded to stumble through as much Italian as my submersion class could give me in just three weeks. The family was so welcoming. After touring the factory, I ended up having lunch with them before spending a good part of the afternoon with Irio in his office and then doing a bit of shopping before getting down to the business at hand... I wanted my Racing repainted in a pearl white with the tricolor as bands.

I managed to snap as many photos as I could of the Monte Amiatas, Velocistas, Diamantes and Super Prestiges before heading back to Florence with my empty bike box.

Just three weeks later, I was back in Grosseto to pick up and reassemble my trusty steed. It turned out great. Unfortunately, it's in need of another repaint again... I'm thinking the original red/white/yellow motif would suit me again!

Since then, I've run into Irio, Barbara and others from the factory, most recently at last year's l'Eroica. He's always remembered me as the Cannondale guy when we've bumped into each other at the trade shows, even though I was still a year from landing a job when we first met... way back in '92!

The Galmozzi Cambio Corsa is Finished!

2011-12-06T08:55:00.001-05:00

Ciöcc finished the work on this quite a while ago, but I just now finished it to the point that I was ready to take it to the studio for photos. I'm real happy with how it turned out. There have been a lot of Galmozzi's popping up lately, but still none this early.

Once again, here's the video of the restoration and a little bit at the end with Angelo Galmozzi.

Binda, Girardengo, the Torpedo Affair and the Five Hundred Lire

2011-12-04T17:20:00.001-05:00

It's well known that Binda and Girardengo weren't the best of friends. Many racers were actually at odds with Binda actually, even if Gira dominated the scene earlier but stayed in the graces of those he beat. But what began the malumore of the two? Ventura explains in il Campione e il Bandito.

"The 1927 World Championships signaled the start of the hostility between me and Binda," Costante recounted. "Before the start, the four of us on the Italian team agreed that if one of us should win, we'd split the ten thousand lire prize into equal parts." Of course, Binda won, but talks of splitting the spoils didn't take place. In fact, attention was focused on another affair... both Binda (Legnano) and Gira (Wolsit, a sub brand of Legnano) had mounted Torpedo rear hubs with coaster brakes by Sachs to their bikes to the tune of a one hundred twenty thousand lire sponsorship! The pact was that any publicity would never appear in Italy, to not endanger their bike sponsorships. When one Italian magazine ran a full feature on the use of the Torpedo, it was Girardengo who would have to change 'houses'. After all, Binda was the World Champion and rising star. But in departing, Gira wouldn't forget the broken promise of Nurburgring.

The next year at the start of a rainy Milan-San Remo, Gira took the line even after telling his Maino bosses that in case of rain, he wouldn't race. With a delicate wrist from earlier accidents, Gira toed the line with a long pair of gloves that reached up his arms. "It was one of the hardest and most competitive San Remo's I had ever done."

Incredible racing indeed. Gira passed through his hometown of Novi in the lead, profiting from a Binda puncture. Binda rejoins. The rain turned the snow into mush and the roads into mud. Then an attack from Giacobbe and Papeschi, then Binda. Gira loses contact but rejoins by the Turchino. Incredibly strong on the climbs, Binda attacks but is brought back. A change of wheels after Capo Berta (Negrini states they rode from Milan in a 44 x 18 and at Capo Berta flipped the wheel to a 44 x 16) sees the pair stretched out along with Negrini until the entrance to San Remo. "Let's divide the winnings," promises Binda to Gira. The campionissimo agrees, lets Binda attack from too far out, and takes him at the line by two lengths.

Some days later, Gira gets his winnings. Binda comes for his part, two thousand lire. "'No way' I tell him," recounts Gira. "It's you who owes me five hundred. Twenty five hundred from the World Championships, less two thousand from San Remo."
They didn't speak again for two years.

The True Story of 'The Champion and the Bandit'

2011-12-04T06:31:00.000-05:00

So in the interest of expanding the knowledge base and preserving cycling history through translation... time for another book report!

I just finished Marco Ventura's il Campione e il Bandito, a well-researched account of the relationship between Costante Girardengo (Italy's first campionissimo) and Sante Pollastri (Italy's most wanted man in the late 20's, also written by him as Pollastro). My first long read in Italian, the book was a bit of a challenge at times, but proved well worth the effort.

Ventura's work was the inspiration for RAI's fiction of a similar name, a two-part foray into how far one can stretch the truth for dramatic effect. I won't go too far into criticizing it, but the main issues for me were the non-period correct bikes, class-breaking language, non-location correct settings and three main diversions from the truth: that Pollastro and Girardengo were close childhood friends; that Biagio Cavanna was some sort of upper class talent scout; and the final showdown and end of Pollastro. Aldo and Paolo, both from the Novi Ligure area, give further in-depth reviews of this on their blogs for the Italian-speakers who are interested. In addition, you can watch the entire thing on youtube in pieces, starting with the first part, below.

So back to the book and 'true' story and a quick translation that sets the stage of the early lives of the protagonists.

Their adventure begins in an Italy of misery. They were both sons of extremely poor farmers. One doesn't know for certain if they were friends, certainly they would have known of each other, because they were linked by a common passion for the bicycle: a vehicle of freedom for both of them. If in fact Girardengo would become a myth of cycling's greats, Pollastri would become the most famous bandit of the twenties. - Corriere della Sera's Costantini Emilia.

Sante was not only a fan of cycling, but tried his hand at a racing career as well. Gira's teammate Negrini is quoted as saying he even raced against Sante. But he evidently didn't have 'the stuff'. The bicycle would change from a ticket out of misery into a getaway car. A great deal of time is spent on theories and events leading up to why Sante turned to a life of crime, interspersed with the racing developments and growth of Gira, who was ten years into the most successful cycling career to date by the time Sante graduated from home robberies to his first cold-blooded murder. On July 14th of 1922, while robbing a transfer of money of the Bank of Tortona, the cashier Casalegno was murdered by a member of Sante's gang. The law was led to Sante by a switch-up in getaway vehicles. Sante's Maino was left behind by a member of the band as they hurried to get away after their unexpected killing. This began Sante's life as a bandit and a long run from the law that wouldn't finish until 1927.

This also leads me to two details for the vintage collecting set. Aside from the great detail of Gira's racing and private life which have been referenced by other authors as being some of the best-researched accounts of 1920's racing, Ventura brings us information about the Novi area's famous bicycle brands.

The first of these revolves around another "good bandit" or Robin Hood type. One hundred years earlier in the same area around Alessandria, Giuseppe Mayno della Spinetta (Monte Spineto being a mountain where he hid from the law), in protest of French inscription, began a similar career of banditry. While Mayno was an anti French guerrilla, Pollastri fell more into the thinking of anti fascist anarchists. Somewhere hidden in these pages is the explanation of how Cicli Maino is actually a descendant of this Robin Hood, the spelling changed to further distance it from its seedy roots!

The other is of course the start and growth of Cicli Girardengo, started in the forties with sons Ettore and Luciano. In 1964 assembly was transferred to the prison in Alessandria and was supplier to Maino (without the 'y'). After the death of Costante, the firm changed hands and eventually closed in the eighties, 'the second death of Girardengo' wrote Le Monde.

The book goes into great detail about a meeting on September 25, 1925, between Pollastri and Girardengo, who was racing at the Vélodrome d'Hiver against the Pélissier brothers, Bottecchia and Binda. By all accounts, Sante whistled a cifulò, which only Novi locals would recognize, to his old friend and Gira's masseur, Cavanna. The three met. Sante finally met his cycling idol and gave Gira his account of the circumstances around one of his cop-killings. Sante's condition to this was that Gira only tell the authorities should he be killed. The resulting rumors were enough to call Gira into court at the first of Sante's trials!

The second half of the book recounts Sante's time in prison and his heroics when he led the resistance to an inmate revolt and armed other inmates while protecting their jailers! His good behavior would set him free in 1959 after 32 years in prison. He spent his freedom selling various items around Novi (via bicycle) and staying within the law.

Woven throughout the book is the lyrics to a popular song about the legend of the bandit and the champion by Francesco De Gregori (written by his brother Luigi Grechi). Video below.

I found my interest change from the racing insight and biography of Girardengo to the incredible story of the bandit Pollastri. By the end of the book, I had almost forgotten the link to cycling's pioneering years; however, Ventura's level of detail and research is something that goes way beyond the typical content of most Italian cycling books... birth of the Giro - Girardengo - Binda - Guerra - Bartali/Coppi - end of the golden age.

100 Years Ago Today... Giuseppe Olmo

2011-11-22T10:40:00.004-05:00

It was one hundred years ago today, in a small village west of Genoa, that Giuseppe Olmo was born. Olmo took 39 wins in his short career, most in the magical 1935 (8) and 1936 (13) seasons when he finished third and second in the Giro d'Italia. In total, he won twenty stages in the Giro, two Milan-San Remo's, three national championships and seven days in the maglia rosa. Olmo, known also by the nickname of Gepìn, set the hour record in 1935, covering 45.090 kilometers at the Vigorelli.

Biciclette Olmo was born in Celle Ligure (said small village) in 1938 following his second San Remo victory. At just twenty-eight years old, Olmo's life was to turn towards bicycle production, eventually growing the business into what has been referred to as the 'Italian Schwinn' for their impressive output and sales. Olmo ventured further out in his industrial enterprise with tires, plastics and small motors. Married and a father of three, Olmo eventually moved to industrial Milan and passed on March 5, 1992 due to an incurable disease.

2011 l'Eroica!

2011-11-12T09:28:00.017-05:00

I guess now that it's over a month old now, I should get around to reporting on my l'Eroica this past October. When we left off, we had settled down for an early night's sleep, due to the 3:45 wakeup call! The van was packed and ready for a quick drive from Montevarchi to Gaiole. I finally had the joy of waking Daisy up earlier than she preferred, instead of our usual routine (small dogs have equally small bladders that need relief at PRECISELY 5:00 am... every day). We were up quickly, moving frantically to get as many calories into my belly as quickly as possible! A twisty drive into the darkness took us to Gaiole again, but this time we went up and over the center and parked at the gas station on the outskirts.

I made my final preparations... light, leather helmet, goggles, arm warmers, gloves and one more brioche. With that, the Mrs. loaded my custom POI's to take her to each stop and feed station, in order. Then, it was off to the start line!

The hushed atmosphere at the sign-in is somewhat spooky. The anticipation of the enjoyment and suffering to come looms in the darkness. There was RAI's Alessandra De Stefano doing interviews. I had bumped into her the previous day and, without my Liquigas garb, she didn't immediately recognize me, especially with my blue and yellow Masini kit and repro goggles on!

The start was way different for me this year, knowing how to better judge the course that was to come. I was looking forward to the arrival to the Brolio castle again, where Janelle and Daisy would be waiting. The climb up the twisty gravel road is traditionally lit with candles on the sides, which give a great effect in the still-dark morning, just 10km in, 209km to go!

This year, the descent from Brolio was a bit tougher due to the Masini's really stiff brake levers. This would continue to be a problem throughout the day. The next 35km into Radi are a little blurry due to the lack of light, but the course is fairly easy at this point, with the climbs either short or of gradual pitch. At one point near Siena, I found myself alone on the part of the course which is not so well marked. I caught a couple of stragglers and we cautiously kept going, fearing the backtracking we'd have to do once we found out we missed the turn... but we eventually found the next sign, assuring us we were on course.

At the first Radi ristoro, my support crew was waiting for my arrival, still a little tired themselves at this point. I filled up a bit on the various offerings, and was met by a couple of 'heroes.' Max, who I met last year and was riding his cambio corsa Galetti again, and the guy I want to emulate in a future l'Eroica... fully kitted in 1920's gear and riding a flip-flop! Bravi, tutti! I was seven minutes ahead of 2010 at Radi... that would soon change!

The lead-in to the Montalcino climb (the toughest of the day by far) is itself misleading on the course profile. The long gradual slope and energy-sapping gravel sections between Radi and the climb leave you tired by the time you start climbing at just 71km in! The climb starts not-so gradually, slowly twisting your way up. After Radi, the Masini was starting to give me a problem that would dictate the rest of my day... under power, my granny (itself not too easy at just 40 x 21) would catch on the chain and give a jolting 'ping' before dropping to the 19, which would eventually do the same and drop down once more! The cause? I had custom-made the five-speed cluster from various Regina freewheels. The largest two cogs had slotted and squared-off teeth, perfect for catching on a fixed-tension system like the Paris-Roubaix. It didn't display this tendency in my training, mainly due to the fact that the climbs I had tried at home didn't require this much effort evidently! End result? I checked into Montalcino sixteen minutes later than 2010, and far more sapped of energy.

After this, I bombed the paved descent and the next few sections of white roads, picking up seven minutes on the 2010 Legnano time! On one section of road, a fancy moto pulled up alongside me. I smiled, and the moto stayed there longer than normal. I gave another look and finally recognized Michele and Francesca, our dear friends from Leonardi Racing in Sansepolcro. We had stopped there on our way down to get Itlaian SIM cards and catch up. They mentioned making the trip over, which in my tired state, I had basically forgotten. It was a relief to see them. They gave some much-needed encouragement and followed me for about 10km, snapping some great photos, a couple of which now adorn their homepage rotation.

At Pieve a Salti, I was 24 minutes down and by Asciano I was getting worried. My support crew wasn't there, probably lost or thought I had passed. An eventual phone call later, I found out it was the latter. They were already at Castelnuovo, which I was told was going to close at 4:00! The short stop and the ensuing chase was brutal. Brutal. By this time, the heat was unbearable. My water bottle cage had broken, leaving my bottle dangling from the handlebars. In addition, the section between, these two stops feature in my opinion the toughest part of the course. The steep pitches force walking up most of these sections, if you are on a bike sufficiently 'limited.' I'm starting to use this term to describe the technical difficulties of riding a very old bike this far.

After my frantic chase, I finally arrived to Castelnuovo at 4:38... technically past their closing time, but still 'ok' in the spirit of l'Eroica. They stamped my card with no comments, other than on my apparent ghost-like complexion. The support crew let me rest and contemplate packing it in... really. We all knew I wouldn't stop, but it felt good to consider it! I basically passed out for twenty minutes in a chair. I was told I snored! A Coke, some water, ribollita, and anything else I could stuff in, got me going and in a much better mood.

At Vagliagli, I passed an older gent with an unfortunate flat. I lost about a half hour trying to help him, but the tire just wouldn't stay on the rim and we managed to use up both of my spare tubes and CO2 cartridges. We called his friends to come get him, he thanked me and I was off again into the dusk.

At the end of the long stretch of gravel before Radda, I was met again by a motorcycle light. It was Michele and Francesca again! They gave me some water and encouragement and then proceeded to lead me into the darkness with their moto's light - mine was useless, the batteries dead for the past ten kilometers!

After Radda, we met two other stragglers who shared the light for a few km. Using my handling skills, I bombed down the final gravel stretch into Gaiole and into the finish line area... at 8:20 pm. Fifteen hours, twenty minutes! Just over an hour slower than 2010. Just as happy to have finished another of the greatest bike rides ever.

Post-race judges again impressed by the feat on an old bike! Maybe next year I'll get a lower number than 9!

My moto escorts!

The support crew!

Broken bottle cage, dust!

The navigator

1924 Stucchi Catalog!

2011-11-12T09:24:00.002-05:00

More from Paolo... this 1924 Stucchi catalog, available for viewing on Picasa! These old catalogs are incredibly difficult to find for certain brands, especially of this era. And when you do, you'll be amazed by the prices being asked!

The Stucchi That Got Away

2011-11-12T09:11:00.003-05:00

This Stucchi flip-flop from 1924 was posted on Paolo's Decadence blog recently. I immediately called him to see if his friend would consider selling, as it's my size, correct, and ready for a restoration. It's also EXACTLY the bike that would finish my collection! After a few days unfortunately, I got the word... no sale! I will make another appeal over an espresso with Paolo next weekend, but it looks like my perfect Stucchi got away!

The Road to l'Eroica

2011-10-19T15:42:00.017-04:00

As last year's l'Eroica was a solo affair due to Tucker's constant battles with sickness, this year I brought a support crew. Daisy even made the trip from the States to join the Mrs. and I. First to Zurich, then Basel and finally over the Alps to Italy.

After seeing Ciöcc, we headed towards the Ghisallo, where I gave the Cicli Masini one final test before l'Eroica. As we had dinner plans with friends in Como, I climbed up the easy side to the Chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo. Of course, tiny, trafficked roads make for slow travel and by the time I pulled into the parking lot, the sun was well below the surrounding mountains, making us late into Como. From there, it was another long drive south to Tuscany.

The statue at the Ghisallo Chapel

Staying in Montevarchi like last year, we had a half-hour drive to Gaiole each day. Friday was spent in the market checking out all that my friends had to offer. My collection of cycling history books grew significantly that day! All the usuals were there, including Enzo, Ermes and Roberto. I was most impressed by the Bici Vintage booth and their reproduction wool jerseys made to order. The nickeled purple Automoto was by far and away the best restoration on show, while the 1916 Stucchi was calling out for an offer to be made. More on that later!

Yes, please!

This nickel-plated Automoto restoration was great

Registration was easy and painless. For those of you considering doing l'Eroica, there are many sites discussing bike standards and it's really very simple: exposed brake cables, no clipless pedals and no brifters (downtube, bar end or rod shifters are acceptable, along with single speeds or flip-flop wheels and probably some wacky, unique but old system yet to be found).

Knowing that our actual anniversary on Saturday would be an early-to-bed affair, Friday night we celebrated with dinner at a special restaurant… the stables of the Badia a Coltibuono (Abbey of the Good Harvest). What's so special about this is that the estate is owned by descendants of the Stucchi family. Yes, THAT Stucchi. While there are no bicycles on display in the 11th century villa, the restaurant features an impressive photo of what I assume to be Guido Giuntini, the Florentine banker who bought the property in 1846 and great grandfather of Piero Stucchi-Prinetti.

Saturday morning I took advantage of our location and made one more quick trip to the Bartali museum in Ponte a Ema. There, I once again wondered at the magazines, newspapers, jerseys and of course the old bikes, including a Stucchi with cambia corsa and that Bartali track bike, touted to have been made by Galmozzi (even though I have information to the contrary).

Contrary to the sign nearby, most likely NOT a Galmozzi

Saturday was spent again at the market and walking slowly around the town admiring the passing bikes and their dapper owners. I managed to make a few connections again, notably with Ben Cramer who was riding the 135 route and writing a feature for Town and Country magazine. He interviewed me over a glass of wine on my passion for the old stuff and the importance of the bicycle throughout history, especially Italian.

Interview with Ben from Town and Country magazine, proving that Tuscans don't only do red

I also managed to run into a newish but somehow seemingly old friend, John Pergolizzi. John was holding court as usual in the town center. Unfortunately, my extended riding time meant we didn't hook up Sunday, post-ride, but I look forward to discussing rare parts with him in the future!

The Red Devil himself, Luciano Berruti!

The man with the old Stucchi was re-introduced to me by a couple of friends who were really jockeying me into place to make a trade for the bike. This is a bike that I would go nuts for and sell most of my collection to get my hands on. Since the owner still rides, we were discussing a large amount of cash plus a new Cannondale in trade for this gem. He wouldn't budge! At least not yet. "I found it in a barn under a thick layer of dirt. There were lots of pros on the Stucchi team in my area back in the day, so this could even be a pro bike. It's in great shape, all original. You just can't put a price on it." Even though I tried! He has my info, and even says that if I bring my own wheels, he'd let me ride l'Eroica on it some day!

How many ways can I say 'I want your Stucchi' in Italian?

With that, I was off to bed early Saturday night… the support crew didn't know what was coming!

The navigator!

l'Eroica Just Sent My Race Number... 9!

2011-09-25T21:49:00.001-04:00

Ciöcc Restores the Cicli Masini, SN 1

2011-09-24T08:56:00.004-04:00

It took a year... planning, parts collecting, weekend trips to Ciöcc's shop to work on it, but the final result was worth it. Here is a look at the work that went into the Cicli Masini, serial number one, plus some pre-l'Eroica beauty shots!

It'll never get this clean again!

Every bike needs a strong head tube badge. I think this turned out great.

Spinning spokes just behind your shift lever... what could go wrong?!?

Here's the business end of the Paris-Roubaix shifter.

Le Coq Sportif Seems Ready for l'Eroica

2011-09-23T18:47:00.002-04:00

Only nine days left! I have a cramming session this weekend, with LOTS of hours anticipated in the (hard leather) saddle, even if raining.

L'Eroica 2011 - le coq sportif Teaser from Le Coq Sportif on Vimeo.

The Cicli Masini Paris-Roubaix is Ready for l'Eroica!

2011-09-18T16:58:00.002-04:00

With just minor chainline issues, the Cicli Masini Paris-Roubaix is ready for l'Eroica. Check out the not-so-deft shift on my local strada bianca! Hoping to break 14 hours this year. With five speeds instead of four, I hope it'll be enough to make the difference, but my fitness is also half of what it was last year!

l'Eroica Is Only Two Weeks Away!

2011-09-18T12:55:00.004-04:00

I've finally started to train on the Masini for l'Eroica, which is only 14 days away! Dai, forza! See you there!

Headed to l'Eroica? See Guerra in Mantova

2011-09-17T11:36:00.002-04:00

If you're headed to l'Eroica and have some time before or after to explore northern Italy, I highly suggest stopping in the beautiful city of Mantova and its little museum dedicated to local hero Learco Guerra, winner of the '34 Giro d'Italia and Giro di Lombardia, '33 Milano-San Remo and FIVE successive Italian national championships on the road. The museum consists of just a couple of rooms willed with his various mementos. There was just one bike on display, an old Maino, and lots of jerseys, trophies, photos and the like. I particularly enjoyed reading through the many old newspaper and magazine articles from back in the day. I may be posting up some translations of the more interesting pieces.

The 'Human Locomotive' started his racing career late, at twenty-six years of age, but rapidly became feared on flatter races. Propped up by the Fascist government, Guerra was pitted against Alfredo Binda, the favorite of the communists!

Learco didn't even have a proper racing bike until after 1924 when a local cinder track was built. Sensing something in the twenty something bricklayer's assistant, Silvio Negri told him, "Where do you think you're going with a bike like that? Don't worry, I'll make you a bike myself, and you'll become a champion!" Truer words were never spoken! Negri secretly built the bike, in fear of Learco's father finding out. Guerra soon founded the Aurora society, acting as president, director sportif for the track and the team, and was the society's only racer!

THE definitive photo of Learco Guerra.

Later, after getting a contract with Maino and twice helping his leader Antonio Negri rejoin the peloton after flatting, Guerra was called up to race the Giro. He then summed up his philosophy... "Maybe in life, winning isn't so important. It's more honorable to race with courage!" And in the pioneering days of pre-war cycling, it took courage just to head out on those horrible roads for those ridiculous distances.

As a DS, Guerra shined as well. With riders like Hugo Koblet, Carlo Clerici and Charly Gaul, he would take four Giros d'Italia. His last champion riders were Vittorio Adorni and Gianni Motta.

As with my other recent posts, this one again includes a book on the subject. This time, I wasn't able to find the comprehensive book on Guerra, but instead, just this little square, locally-produced piece. It's a nicely written summary of Guerra's life and career. Crazy thing is that I bought it at the Nuvolari museum, as the Casa Rigoletto didn't have anything for sale!

The museum is just off the main square in Rigoletto's house. His friend and famous race car driver Tiziano Nuvolari has a less-furnished museum just a block away.

I stole a shot of this photo. Guerra, dog lover! Gotta love him even more!

Guerra's Maino. His first pro team was legendary.

Fausto Coppi, 9/15/1919

2011-09-15T18:06:00.004-04:00

Where to begin? 92 years ago today, Fausto Coppi was born. Superlatives don't do his career justice, and I don't have the knowledge (or space) to do his story right either. What I can do is lead you to a great book that should be read by any cycling fan interested in our sport's great history. I recently finished Fallen Angel, the Passion of Fausto Coppi by William Fotheringham. I quickly read this on my last trip, and in this age of instant communication, tweeted the following exchange with the author.

Ain't the internet grand? I hope to bump into him someday and discuss - I have a feeling we share interests!

The next Coppi account that I shall attempt (shortly) is Beppe Conti's Fausto Coppi, a rather exhaustive look at his life written in that difficult Italian prose that sometimes challenges my meager abilities. It's like comparing the USA Today to Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum.

With that, Viva Coppi!

Giro 1914, il più duro di tutti

2011-09-09T13:53:00.005-04:00

Just finished this great little book which retells the amazing 1914 Giro d'Italia, 'the hardest of all.' This version, the last before a break for the war, set the following records: Longest stage ever (Lucca-Roma, won by Costante Girardengo); lowest average speed (23.374 km/h); biggest gap to second place (1 hour, 55 minutes, 26 seconds); longest time to finish a stage (19 hours, 20 minutes from Bari to l'Aquila) and the fewest number of finishers (eight)!

The book has tales of intrigue (the flatting of eventual winner Alfonzo Calzolari's tires while his bike was on his back while walking up a climb), pure suffering (overall leader Giuseppe Azzini going into crisis mode on the Macerone climb only to be found the next day in a granary sick and near death), more intrigue (an anonymous letter supposedly from Bianchi to Stucchi's Alfonzo Calzolari saying that he would 'never win this Giro'), and even the occult (Calzolari's pre-race meeting with the local fortune teller who conveyed that he would win the race, but only after risking even his life, which I can't remember how, but seems to have been partly true).

After maneuvering to win the race on protest that three leaders had latched onto a car on the toughest of climbs, the Bianchi team literally fell apart as one after another crashed out or retired. After the race, the light blue and white constructor, the strongest team by far but having failed to register one finisher, fired the entire team!

My first complete book in Italian (even though thin), this was a rare gem that has sent me into yet another area of l'eroica... pre-war racing, unheard of distances and struggles, flip-flop wheels (not the faux fixies of today), horrible dirt roads, little to no support, etc. There were two categories in this race, the isolati and aspiranti, who were vagabonds of the race - no money, support, teammates, or even food. Just poor souls racing for the chance of a contract or even a meal!

Eurobike for the Vintage Set

2011-09-08T07:06:00.004-04:00

Eurobike is an incredible trade show, with its promise of the latest technology collected under the old zeppelin hangars. I made the trip this year from the US as opposed to the three hour drive from Basel, in order to talk with some of our sponsored athletes and technical sponsors. This time of year is always stressful, as negotiations are in full flight for the coming year, or in some cases, even further out.

In between meetings, I always take the time to roam around and find the new cool stuff, but for the past two years, I've taken a different view of things, now that my vintage obsession is just that... an obsession. There seems to be a lot of folks who are looking back for inspiration, whether from their company's heritage, or just from a design standpoint. The results are sometimes hit-or-miss, but I totally appreciate it! Here is what I found, photos thanks to a crappy Android loaner phone.

This Via Veneta ladies bike, with gold and leather accents was almost as cool as Mrs. Masini's Gloria

Either for my Bianchi or one of the Mrs' Glorias, I NEED a newspaper holder.

This Ambrosio featured a carbon frame with similar gold details. Ciöcc wasn't impressed!

Who wouldn't want panniers by Ermenegildo Zegna?

Always interested in logos for inspiration. I'm working on a 20's-30's version of the Masini logo for a new project... more on that later.

DeMarchi dates back to 1946 with this (repro'd) Atala jersey.

I wanted this helmet by Casco since last year.

Finally, and this wasn't at the show, but I ended up buying them anyway... repro goggles as made famous by Mantova's Tazio Nuvolari, and as worn by his paisano Learco Guerra! Self portrait by Android... ugh.

Tour of Utah Prologue

2011-08-09T20:39:00.004-04:00

I'm resuming my crash course in DS'ing, under the tutelage of Biagio Conte during the Tour of Utah. Today was the prologue at Olympic Park at Deer Valley. Things got off to an 'easy' start today with a short hillclimb. Just over 2 km, Colombian Sergio Luis Henao Montoya stormed to the win. I chased first Paolo Longo Borghini up the hill, followed by Tim Duggan and Ted King. Tim did best of our guys with a 4'26". He's motivated for a good overall or the right break, but keep an eye out for Elia Viviani and Davide Cimolai in the sprint finishes - they're fresh off the track where they scored some European championship gold medals.

Behind And In Front Of The Lens

2011-07-31T08:49:00.007-04:00

I seem to be 'on set' all the time this year, either in front of or behind the lens. It started with the Liquigas-Cannondale presentation in Milan, then team camp in Sardinia, followed by a trip up north for Paris-Roubaix.

On the cobbles as driver and 'grip' with Gardy.

In May, Mt. Etna hosted a large crew for the shooting of the commercial that ran on Vs. during the Tour. Sicily remains one of my favorite places in the world. It's easy to see why. Nibali's pals from home provided more entertainment than I could handle.

Great bike, great rider, great scenery, great spot!

Here's a couple of shots from behind the lens...

... and here's the added footage. We shot a different version of this, where Vincenzo finishes off his day in the saddle and heads into 'his' apartment. Thank you, by the way, to the village of Zafferana Etnea. I had to stand in and show him how the scene would go... here it is. It's actually my first ride on an Evo as well!

The Amgen Tour of California had me doing my usual thing when Liquigas-Cannondale comes to the US; however this time, we filmed our way across California and posted them all on Cannondale's Off the Front page. Stage three's episode had me going through all the team's vehicle preparation. It was nice having all these clips as a travelogue for me, as I didn't take a single photo during the entire race!

So at the Tour de France last month, it was finally my turn to try my hand at being the 'talent' (and I take liberties with that term). It's my second Vs. spot so I think I'm getting pretty comfortable with all this. Aside from ducking the rain and finding a good location, it took all of five minutes to shoot.

Finally, Peloton magazine teamed up with Cannondale for a contest this summer with the grand prize being a trip to the Tour de France to help and be an intern for Liquigas-Cannondale. Our contest winners couldn't have been scripted any better. Joe had camera experience as a weatherman, while James works at one of Cannondale's top retailers in the west. Again, I was left with no photos, just great memories and a couple of cool videos! Check it out...

Passionately telling Ivan something!

So Let's Get This Started Again...

2011-07-22T21:10:00.002-04:00

Sorry about that. It's been far too long. You know, you buy a house, put your best dog down, travel for a month and a half while the Mrs. packs all your stuff up, move back to the US and try to reorganize life as you knew it. Sometimes, life kinda gets in the way of blogging!

So I'm going to slowly and randomly update things now that I have a home office (corporate frowns on blogging at work, and rightly so!).

I've been reading a LOT lately about racing in Italy in the 30's and 40's, trying to grasp even more about how hard it was to race up to 400 kilometers on war-torn roads just so you could grab a couple of free meals. I typically lose interest once the book heads into the 50's and after Koblet, but of course there is always a big focus on Coppi and Bartali.

On that topic, it brings to mind a couple of close friends of mine from work, Arco and GianCa. If there were to be a Coppi and Bartali of Italian race mechanics, I'd say these are the guys. GianCa would be the old school Bartali and Arco the upstart Coppi. Both are highly acclaimed on the circuit and I've had the pleasure of turning business contacts into great friendships. This past week at the Tour de France, Gian Carlo received the Premio Fedeltà for having worked twenty Tours de France. The first Tour I worked with GianCa, an upstart South African team Barloworld won two stages and the polka-dot jersey aboard 'my' Cannondale bikes.

Congratulations, Gian Carlo!

Wow... THAT Was A Whirlwind Month!

2011-05-26T21:02:00.004-04:00

The end of May is coming and with that, the end of the Giro d'Italia (go, Liquigas-Cannondale) and the end of possibly the most stressful month I've had in a LONG time. I'm writing this from the Palma restaurant at JFK, where I've flown in and out of so often in the past two months that I know the KLM attendant AND the bartender personally!

It started with a quick trip to the wind tunnel with Ivan and the boys right after the Tour of Romandie. This was JUST after getting back from the US and Grandma's 100th birthday party! And THAT was just after Paris-Roubaix and a trip to Sicliy! From there, it was to Turin and the launch of an amazing new bike, the Cannondale Evo. Great riding and an incredible setting were on par with my Italian colleagues! That led to the Giro TT in Turin and a mad dash back to Switzerland before heading to the Tour of California.

Great riding in Turin...

I didn't expect snow in May in Cali and was was under-dressed as we first cancelled stage one and moved the start of stage two. The whole race, I was either filming with our behind-the-scenes crew or Versus, riding with my two guest riders or waiting at the finish line for Peter Sagan to win a stage, which he eventually did! To relive it, head to our Off the Front page and see the videos!

Marketing... rough job.

From Cali, which was far more stressful than it looks like in the videos, I headed to CT to close on our house, which may have been the most touch-and-go stressful process ever. Just try buying a house while living abroad! It ain't easy, especially in this economy and its new regulations. Since we're heading back to the US, we'll also need a car - and I'm going to spoil myself (or is it really for the missus?) with a convertible. Yep, a Fiat isn't the most practical car, but it's Italian, stylish and we've only got one very small dog to haul around!

Fiat USA's Julie puts the sold tag on mine. Oh yeah, it's in 'Cicli Masini blue'!

I just realized that there are far too many cute blondes in this post! That's ok - I'm excited because I'm now headed back to the best one of all! There's only one that can put up with a travel schedule like this, pack up our entire Euro apartment while taking care of our "baby girl" and do it all with grace and patience in putting up with an idiot like me! Love you, J! Now, let's go and try being 'mericans again! Fast food! Mountain Dew! Football in HD! 24-hour stores... and ENGLISH! I know, you're probably thinking I'm crazy for being excited - Europe is cool and all - but we're READY! And I'm ready to stay put for a while!

My 'Heroic Feat' according to l'Eroica!

2011-04-30T11:22:00.001-04:00

While checking some information about this year's l'Eroica, I stumbled across a couple of interesting bits. When I crossed the line last year, the old guy in the chute looked at my bike and noted my completing the 205km course on such an old and 'limited' machine. Needless to say, I now found out that I was given the 9th most 'heroic feat' of the event! Check out the shot from their website...

PS - as I read it, also the only non-Italian! That is assuming Robert pronounces it 'nor-ga-te' and not Norgate!