Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sports & Events: “The Walk of Fame of Milano-Sanremo and Sanremo Women represents a concrete and lasting way to celebrate the history and values of a race that is unique in the world. The Classicissima is a story of achievements, emotions and great champions who have left their mark. This initiative further strengthens the bond between Sanremo and its races, with the aim of building an ever-stronger legacy. For RCS Sports & Events, it is essential to contribute to enhancing this heritage, looking to the future with the goal of continuing to grow the international prestige of both race”.
Alessandro Mager, Mayor of Sanremo: “With the inauguration of the Walk of Fame dedicated to the great protagonists of the ‘Classicissima di Primavera’, Sanremo pays tribute to one of the most extraordinary chapters of its sporting history. Milano-Sanremo is not just a cycling race: it is a heritage of passion, sacrifice and memory that for over a century has been inextricably linked to our territory and to international cycling. I would like to thank Councillor Alessandro Sindoni for his vision and for the important work carried out with RCS Sport: this installation represents a new symbolic place for residents and visitors, a space where they can relive the achievements of the champions who have made this race legendary and helped bring the name of Sanremo to the world. The presence today of two great athletes such as Vincenzo Nibali and Filippo Pozzato makes this tribute to the Classicissima even more meaningful”.
Alessandro Sindoni, Councillor for Tourism and Sport of the City of Sanremo: “The Walk of Fame was created with the aim of celebrating the athletes who have written the history of Milano-Sanremo and of further strengthening the bond between the city and its most iconic race. Each handprint, each name tells a story of a challenge, a finish line, a moment that has entered the hearts of cycling fans: in this way we can relive the achievements of the champions who have written unforgettable pages of this historic race. Our city strongly believes in sport as a tool for identity, promotion and sharing. With this initiative, we aim to preserve the legacy of the Classicissima di Primavera, strengthening Sanremo’s image as a city capable of hosting events of international relevance. Special thanks to RCS and the municipal offices who made this important achievement possible”.
Lorena Wiebes: “For me, it’s an honor to be here at the Walk of Fame. Seeing the cast of my hands, and being the first woman to place them, makes me proud of what I’ve achieved. Saturday will be another great challenge, but I’m ready and I’ll have a great team by my side”.
Francesco Moser: “Milano-Sanremo is the most important race in our calendar. In 1975 I finished second behind Merckx, a result followed by many other placings. 1984 was my golden year: I finally managed to win it, and it remains one of the best memories of my career. That same year I also won the Giro d’Italia. I come from a farming background and, after retiring from racing, I decided to return to my roots by starting to produce wine with my family. After so many years, it will be wonderful to see the winner awarded with our 51,151 sparkling wine, a meaningful number in honour of my Hour Record. This year we hope an Italian can return to the top step of the podium, and with Filippo Ganna we have a strong chance”.
