The 2029 World Championships in Bergamo, the mission continues. Marco Reguzzoni, who headed the organization of the 2008 edition held in Varese, confirms the will to try and, indeed, relaunches. «Time is running out – he told bici.PRO – and I would like to meet the new mayor of Bergamo, Elena Carnevali, as soon as possible.I don't know her, but I'll need her approval to proceed, otherwise nothing will happen."
When asked, the new mayor of the Bergamo capital replied: «The idea of bringing the cycling world championships to Bergamo in 2029 It is certainly an interesting proposal and worthy of evaluation, given the importance of the event and the great interest of the Bergamo residents, who have always been passionate about this discipline. The installation phase has been completed and work has begun with the new Council, I will have the opportunity to delve into the merits of this opportunity and carefully examine the various aspectswhich concern an event of this importance".
A special eye
In short, in days of great work, paying attention to the topic is already something very significantCarnevali has never hidden his attention to cycling, so much so that during the election campaign she organized a very popular bike ride in the city to convince the people of Bergamo to vote for her.
His predecessor, Giorgio Gori, also always kept a close eye on cycling, opening the city's doors to the Giro di Lombardia and the Giro d'Italia during his 10 years of administration. Gori who in the meantime has been elected to the European Parliament: a pawn that could prove crucial at a time when political support on multiple fronts is needed.
10-15 million euros
Meanwhile in Bergamo the idea of a rainbow coloring the city is tempting, but in moderation. Giovanni Bettineschi of PromoEvents (the mastermind behind every major Bergamo cycling event of the modern era, pictured in the opening photo between Gimondi and Adorni) comments, trying to contain his excitement and confront us with reality.
«It would be nice – he admits – and in the past people have asked me if we couldn't try. The financial commitment is significant, we're talking about 10-15 million euros.If we're committed to building a serious and cohesive team, I'm in. I'll roll up my sleeves and get to work tomorrow."
Between Santini and Gimondi
Bergamo would have the Santini family on its side, which, beyond the brand's historicity, has a direct link to the UCI. Santini, but not only because Norma Gimondi, daughter of the unforgettable champion Felice, also welcomed the idea with enthusiasm.
"Would be a wonderful tribute to my dad and my family – he explains – but also in Paladina and Sedrina, places that have always been linked to my dad. Bergamo is the land of cycling, and for the people of Bergamo, Atalanta and Gimondi are untouchable. They are the exaltation of effort, sacrifice and victory obtained through home-made efforts.I still have the last steps on the Boccola in my eyes: exciting. Here I think the city has a conformation that lends itself to the classic world circuit: a natural ring on the hills, without a metre of plain, in suggestive scenery».
The Tour is also teasing
Norma Gimondi then opens the horizons and looks at the event from a broader point of view: «For Bergamo it would be a great opportunity – she observes – because The World Cup takes place in a period when visiting the city and the province is perfect».
Finally, the daughter of the champion from Bergamo (world champion in Barcelona in 1973) looks beyond: «Beyond the world championship – she reveals – I would still like continue working to bring the Tour de France to BergamoIt was a dream of my dad's, it has a huge appeal, the whole world is there for three weeks and I would like to be able to speak with the boss Prudhomme at Great Departure of Florence to propose it to him againI wouldn't trade anything, though. I wouldn't want the World Championship to replace the Tour de France; it wouldn't be respectful towards my dad."
