Gianni Bugno: “Being inducted into the Giro d’Italia Hall of Fame is a great satisfaction because I am joining a group of riders who have made cycling history. From the Giro I won, I remember the victory in the first stage, the time trial in Bari, the Passo Pordoi stage, at the end of which I started to realize that I might achieve this feat, and the uphill time trial at Sacro Monte di Varese, my third stage win in that Giro before the final parade in Milan. Unlike Pogacar – who had planned to claim the Maglia Rosa on the first day and keep it until the end – for me, wearing the leader’s jersey throughout the race wasn’t part of the initial plan. Thanks to the support of my teammates, we managed to achieve this goal, which no one else has matched in the last 34 years, and I am proud of that. Today is a special day for me, and I am truly emotional to see my name permanently enter the history of the race I have loved the most”.
Mauro Vegni, Director of the Giro d’Italia: “It is an honor to see Gianni Bugno enter the Giro d’Italia Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition for a champion who has left an indelible mark on the cycling world. With his elegant style and unmatched determination, Bugno conquered not only Italy’s toughest roads but also won the hearts of all cycling fans. His victories, including the 1990 Giro d’Italia triumph, and his extraordinary career continue to inspire new generations of cyclists. This induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates not only his talent but also his contribution to the history and tradition of Italian cycling”.
Andrea Cipolloni, CEO of Eataly: “The Hall of Fame celebrates moments of excellence, and I am very proud that a place like Eataly, which celebrates Italian food excellence every day, could host the event that honored a great cyclist like Gianni Bugno. Cycling, more than any other sport, thrives on its connection with people: Italians wait at the roadside to cheer for the athletes passing through their towns. This year, Eataly supported the Giro d’Italia as a sponsor of the Maglia Bianca, and we are happy to see that the fans’ passion continues even after the race, paying tribute to great champions”.
Matteo Zoppas, President of ICE: “From the meeting with the main stakeholders and players in the bike sector, organized on the occasion of the Giro d’Italia Hall of Fame, there is great appreciation for the work and research that our companies are doing. In the splendid setting of Eataly, one of the best ambassadors of Italian food & wine in the world, it is an honor for me to present the tricolor jersey to Gianni Bugno. Great champions like him are also great representatives of the productive excellence that distinguishes us. The bike economy sector is certainly one of these, where we are undisputed leaders in technology, innovation, design, and components. We have brands and high value-added productions that the whole world envies and that, as ICE, we promote through business matching meetings. All of this is aimed at helping companies grow and improve their positioning in international markets. And rightly so, because cycling champions, like Gianni Bugno, need the best support to fully express their talent”.
Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sport: “The Giro d’Italia is much more than just a cycling competition: it is a celebration of sporting spirit and all Italian excellences. The champions who triumph at the Giro, like Gianni Bugno, are not only exceptional athletes but also become ambassadors of Italy to the world, as they have brought the name of our country into the hearts of millions of spectators. These are the same values shared by Eataly and ICE, which promote Italian excellences, including the Corsa Rosa, for over 100 years”:
