This morning in his hometown of Barbiano, first in church and then in front of his historic shop, Dino Falconi received an affectionate farewell from his many friends. Below are the words that Mariagrazia Nicoletti read during the religious service.

How can one be sad, Dino? We are moved, yes, but not sad, we don't want to be sad. How many friends, how many cyclists of all ages have pedaled around you? How could your life have been any different?

I have no title to describe your professional career, so I quote an article by Giuseppe Figini, who wrote a beautiful remembrance on tuttobiciweb.

"The numbers that summarize Dino's career speak of thirty-five years among professional cyclists, with thirty-three Giro d'Italia, fourteen Tour de France, fifteen Vuelta and fourteen national azzurre, long-time in the mechanics staff of the blue team under CT Alfredo Martini.
In his heart, the world championship victory of Maurizio Fondriest in Renaix and, another great emotion experienced live, that of Marco Pantani at Alpe d'Huez in the 1997 Tour".

Here, I feel the responsibility to give voice, as much as possible, to the bond and feelings you established with those who asked you for a turn of an Allen wrench and received from you love, advice, and moral support.

"The numerous cyclists, your friends and fellow countrymen, were used to keeping you company after dinner at races, often making you the target of jokes and good-natured teasing, even if, sometimes, Dino, you would return the favor! Always with measure, sympathy, and respect".

You were close to many generations, and to many Champions, including foreigners. Some are no longer here with us, they are already waiting for you at the finish line.

I asked Roberto Conti: "What did those who turned to him as a mechanic particularly receive from Dino? Advice? Moral support? Affection?"
He replied: "Everything".

Dino's love is now here, in the misty eyes of his many friends present. And this Love, thanks to Dino, is also Love for Cycling, which for us is Sport, Ideal, Passion, and Family. To quote Roberto Conti, for us Cycling is... Everything.

Young people who love cycling and seek an additional work opportunity need a Mechanics School. The Federation can create it, and this school should be named after Dino Falconi. We must sow so that among many professionals, Mechanics inspired by Dino's Great Heart can be born.

Goodbye Dino, from your friends.