Everyone standing for Dr. Ernesto Colnago! The Politecnico di Milano today awarded an Honorary Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering to the great Brianza manufacturer, who at 93 years old enchanted an audience of passionate and attentive friends and students.

"In the name of the Italian Republic, I confer upon Ernesto Colnago the honorary master's degree in mechanical engineering. The graduate may use the title of master's degree in the forms, methods, and with the responsibilities provided by law. In carrying out his work, the graduate has already demonstrated the dignity that the engineering profession entails." With these words, Rector Donatella Sciuto, together with Department of Mechanics Director Marco Belloli and Dean of the School of Industrial and Information Engineering Lorenzo Dozio, awarded the engineering degree.

Many friends wanted to celebrate this magnificent milestone. First and foremost, his family, whom the Master of Cambiago, visibly happy and emotional, wanted to thank. "The most important thing in my life, it's a pity that only one person is missing, my Vincenzina, with whom I traveled the paths of my life for seventy years and who has been accompanying me in my thoughts for seven years."

His daughter Anna, with son-in-law Vanni Brambilla, grandson Alessandro and daughter-in-law Eleonora and little Carlotta and Ludovica. With them, many friends and professionals from the business world who wanted to bring their greetings and embrace to the great Ernesto. Among them, former Minister of Development Vittorio Colao, lifelong friends Fabio Capello and Beppe Saronni, Gianni Bugno with Roberto Visentini, Gianni Motta with Paolo Savoldelli, and the Squinzi family, represented by Mapei Spa CEO Veronica, accompanied by her husband Emanuele Della Pasqua. The list of friends was long and distinguished, for a day to remember and keep in one's heart. Colnago then gave a "lectio magistralis" of over half an hour with the help of Pier Bergonzi, friend and director of Sport Week, who prompted him to recall memories. "I owe so much to three people: Fiorenzo Magni, Enzo Ferrari, and Giorgio Squinzi," the Master recalled, who at 93 years old left everyone amazed by the naturalness with which he wore the academic gown and cap. "I still can't believe it," he repeated to his friends.

Many episodes of a life were remembered, but above all, his innovativeness in the world of bicycles was highlighted, bringing carbon, straight forks, and disc brakes to racing bikes. "I'm a bit behind schedule, but what I've achieved today is truly a great milestone," the Master explained to those present, who not only enchanted the audience but the entire faculty, starting with the Magnificent Rector Donatella Sciuto. "This is my first Honoris Causa - explained the rector of Politecnico di Milano since January 2023 - and I am proud and happy to be able to confer this recognition to an excellence of Italian entrepreneurship, who has elevated Italian genius in the world."