Giovanni Sabatini passed away on Monday, January 27th after a brief and sudden illness, causing deep sorrow among his colleagues, professionals, former cyclists, and all who knew him. A large attendance at the funeral service held at the Madonna del Ponte Sanctuary in Narni Scalo was yet another testament to the esteem and respect Giovanni enjoyed in the sports world.

Giovanni Sabatini dedicated his entire life to cycling, initially in the mid-70s as a manager of ELCA (Elettro Carbonium), managing cycling teams for this important company based in Narni Scalo, which could boast competitive categories up to amateur level. An organizer of numerous races in the Umbrian territory, particularly in the Narni area, he always demonstrated a great love for cycling and remarkable organizational skills.

When ELCA closed in the early 2000s, he continued his managerial activity as president of SGL Carbon and then ASD Narnia 2014 with the youngest category, using the "Renato Perona" cycling track in Terni as a base for young cyclists' training and for numerous races, including night races. He always created a strong union between the society, families, and children, with a social and educational perspective of cycling that often materialized in lunches, snacks, and dinners shared in excellent company.

His work in national cycling was significant. He collaborated for many years with V.C. Primavera Ciclistica in organizing the G.P. Liberazione in Rome and the Giro delle Regioni with organizer Eugenio Bomboni and organization director Franco Costantino. Among professionals, he created a formidable work group specialized in marking race routes "the arrow markers" becoming a reference point for many organizing societies such as G.S. Emilia by Adriano Amici, the Laigueglia Trophy, Coppa and Bartali Week, Pantani Memorial, Giro dell'Emilia Pro Men and Giro dell'Emilia Women Elite, to name just the main races. With G.S. Alto Garda for the Giro del Trentino, later becoming Tour of The Alps, with Extra Giro for the Giro d'Italia Under 23 and many other stage and line races.

Giovanni Sabatini was sometimes gruff but always ready with a smile to defuse tension: he left an indelible mark on the national cycling movement for his professional skills, seriousness, and human qualities. His family, particularly his niece Valeria, and all those who loved him will be the guardians of his memory and moral and sporting legacy. Thank you, Giovanni.