May 7, 2004 – On Monday, May 10 in Novi Ligure, on the occasion of the start of the second stage of the 87th Giro d'Italia, the Novi Ligure-Pontremoli, Felice Gimondi and Stefano Vigano, Bianchi's Marketing and Communications Director, will donate to the Museum of Great Champions the legendary Bianchi bicycle that allowed Marco Pantani to win the glorious Giro d'Italia in 1998, the same year in which the Pirate also triumphed at the Tour de France. 1998 was truly an electrifying year for Bianchi, with Stefano Garzelli conquering the golden jersey at the Tour of Switzerland and Marco Velo winning the three-colored jersey at the Italian Timed Trial Championships.

A highly emotional moment: “Marco champion. Donating the bicycle that made it possible for him to win the Giro d'Italia in 1998 to the Museum of Great Champions means a lot to us, and it also means a lot to all the fans who once loved, and still do today, the great performances of the one and only Pirate,” says Felice Gimondi.

“Marco created part of Bianchi's history,” commented Stefano Vigano, “that totally momentous and intense part, full of passion. And that's not all. Marco also gave us exceptional moments, as only a great champion can do. For this reason the donation takes on an even more symbolic meaning, and Bianchi is well aware of this”.