A dream quickly becoming reality. The dream of Swedish Thomas Gronqvist, born in Kilafors on October 2, 1975, a small town of 1,100 inhabitants in the municipality of Bollnas. His great love for bicycles had led him to dream of racing in Italy, the country he had always wanted to live in. The bicycle had always been his means of transportation: he even used it for work, delivering mail for Pony Express. For him, the bicycle was always a symbol of freedom and exploring Italy by pedaling was his ultimate aspiration.

He wanted to be like his fellow countryman Glenn Magnusson, the most successful cyclist in Swedish cycling. He was attracted by his experiences and the first successes Magnusson achieved at the Giro d'Italia wearing the Fanini jersey, even sprinting past "Lion King" Mario Cipollini. And then the idea: why not contact the champion himself?

«I don't remember how I managed - says Gronqvist - to get in touch with my idol Glenn Magnusson. He answered the phone and that contact alone was already a great satisfaction for me. I expressed my desire and he introduced me to the Fanini Team. When the opportunity to become part of that cycling family arose, I reached Lucca by hitchhiking, experiencing a great adventure especially when I first touched Italian soil, a country I already loved before arriving. I was welcomed by Ivano Fanini in a splendid, safe, and positive environment that made me feel comfortable and valued. They offered me food, lodging, a bicycle, and racing gear. It was 1999, a magical year for me. I wore the colors of Mamma Fanini as an amateur, and then became a stagiaire the same year with the professional Amore e Vita Giubileo team. I became friends with Cristian Fanini, with whom I trained daily on the roads of Lucca. With him, I established a deep relationship characterized by affection, trust, and mutual support. I was touching the sky. I had arrived to race in Italy and was wearing the jersey of the same team that just the previous year belonged to Glenn Magnusson. But most importantly, the most popular team in Sweden at the time. Joining Amore e Vita permanently in 2000, I also achieved my first victory. I won third place in the Swedish national championship and was called up to the national team».

A GUY WHO WON OVER THE LOCALS
Thomas was a well-mannered guy who quickly won the affection of Capannori and Lucca sports enthusiasts who saw him training diligently for races. He had a positive attitude both on and off the roads. He showed respect for his teammates and followed the rules set by his sports directors, from Giuseppe Lanzoni to Roberto Pelliconi and Gianluigi Barsottelli.

Competitively, he achieved his first placements and especially won solo in the sixth stage of the Tour of Yugoslavia in 2000: a success that remained isolated for him but was enthusiastically received by patron Ivano Fanini, who had won classics in various European countries and beyond the ocean, but never before in the Balkans.

«It was an intense experience for me - says Gronqvist - that went beyond the sporting result. Winning that stage, in the 50th edition, even though the Tour of Yugoslavia was never held again, was a gratification for the hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice in preparing for each race. Another great satisfaction came in 2002 at the Tour of Lucca Province. In the 225 km Capannori-Altopascio stage I found myself in a breakaway with great champions like Michele Bartoli and Mario Cipollini. The stage was won by Michele Bartoli and the final classification by Spanish rider Oscar Freire. I finished fifth that day and 14th in the final classification. I had won the sympathy of many Capannori friends who positioned themselves at my passage on the Montecarlo climb. I will never forget when they shouted my name. Among my main placements, I remember a second and sixth place at the Herald Sun Tour in Australia and 11th in the Florence-Pistoia race. I remained with the Fanini jersey until 2002, then moved to Fakta the following year and returned to Amore & Vita-Beretta in 2004 before hanging up my bike at just 29 years old».

Why did he stop racing so early?
«I had worn out both knees, also due to some falls, damaging my quadriceps. A functional limitation that would have prevented me from racing at my best. But cycling gave me a lot even in the work field. It formed me as a man, promoting values like discipline, consistency, and the ability to face challenges that life presents us. I started working for the digital platform "MIOO", designed for fashion history and its supply chain. Since 2020, I also have a commitment as a tourism operator. And I owe a lot to Ivano Fanini, a direct and frank leader».

Gronqvist was strong in climbing and in the group with his attacks that sometimes won him the Mountain Grand Prix, a loyal team cyclist who always performed the tasks assigned by the sports directors. Now residing in Stockholm, he has an inspiration for the coming years: to return to live in Italy as when he was racing, perhaps working in the cycling world as a store manager or sales assistant. And when he sets his mind to something, he rarely fails to achieve it. Just think about that hitchhiking journey to Lucca...