Another precious memento has been added to the great collection of the Ghisallo Museum. Yesterday afternoon, Lorenzo Fortunato arrived at the temple of cycling to donate the blue jersey he won at the last Giro d'Italia. The Bologna athlete from Xds Astana was welcomed by a large crowd who came to Magreglio to applaud him and witness the delivery of the memorabilia, while President Antonio Molteni and Director Carola Gentilini hosted the event.

The conference room in the basement was literally packed with people of all ages, a significant response from the public who immediately accepted the museum's invitation on a weekday. Lorenzo has been living in Erba for several years, not far from Magreglio, and the Ghisallo climb has become part of his training routes. The locals greet him on the roads and he has become one of their local champions. «I met Lorenzo about 3 years ago and discovered a wonderful person, a true champion in every sense. This year at the Giro he gave us so many emotions, during some stages I couldn't even sit down while cheering for him. He is living proof that cycling is a great sport and a school of life that teaches important values. It's no coincidence that the room is full for a champion like him. I thank him for the precious gift to our museum and we can't wait to see him in action again, perhaps right on our roads» said President Antonio Molteni, officially launching a special afternoon.

From his victory at the Tour de Romandie to the Giro in the blue jersey, including the beautiful stage in San Valentino in Brentonico with the parade finish alongside Christian Scaroni, Lorenzo Fortunato completely opened up in his storytelling and emotions, triggering the audience's enthusiasm. «Honestly, I didn't expect so many people. Everything feels so strange and beautiful. During the Giro days, I felt a lot of support along the roads and I realize that with the blue jersey, interest in me has grown a bit. But for me, everything remains the same: I train like every day, do what I love, and think about the next season's objectives - he recounted - Christian Scaroni's victory at the Giro was a special moment, which actually originated the evening before during massages. We knew it would be a challenging day, and I told him "you help me with the jersey, and I'll make you win the stage". In the final kilometers, he was struggling a bit, but couldn't give up. At the finish line, he was incredulous, and that victory was beautiful precisely for that reason. I honestly never had any doubts, the stage had to be his. Christian probably didn't expect it, but I knew it was the right thing to do». Many present also had the opportunity to ask questions to the Bologna athlete, who thus revealed other anecdotes and secrets.

This is not the first time Lorenzo Fortunato has visited the Ghisallo museum. A few years ago, he had donated the jersey with which he won the Zoncolan stage at the 2021 Giro. Now that memento is well displayed among the jerseys that have made history, and the XDS Astana athlete still gets emotional thinking about being part of such a collection. Under Antonio Molteni's guidance, Fortunato's visit continued to the cyclists' chapel, where a heartfelt tribute was paid, and then it was time for many fans who took the opportunity to request autographs and commemorative photos from their champion. «None of us expected this event to be so participatory, but Lorenzo is an extraordinary athlete who brings a lot of enthusiasm. He is a true light for Italian cycling. We are honored to host his blue jersey - it's the first in our collection. It's also a way to celebrate his great achievements that serve as an example for all young people approaching sports. The Ghisallo Museum has now become a reference point for all enthusiasts, and the arrival of a new memento is always something special for us. We thank Lorenzo and wish him many more milestones» said Carola Gentilini in closing. Lorenzo Fortunato was then honored by Antonio Molteni with some books about cycling history, a reproduction of the monument at the museum entrance, and the cyclists' protective medallion. It was a true celebration of memories and sport, with a promise to return soon to Ghisallo, perhaps with a new special jersey.

On the occasion of donating the blue jersey, we had the opportunity to chat with Lorenzo Fortunato, which you can listen to starting from Monday, June 16th, in the new episode of blablabike.

photo by Carlo Monguzzi