A few weeks ago, a traditional, pleasant and sought-after meeting point disappeared, much frequented by cycling enthusiasts of all kinds, an inn with an appreciated restaurant, in Cintolese di Monsummano. I VIOLI was its name, a definition that reinforced the topographic name of the locality where, for decades, a loyal clientele could enjoy authentic cuisine typical of this territory, genuine, with zero-kilometer ingredients, with open kitchen and a truly family atmosphere.

And cycling, in different forms—memories, photographs, historic jerseys, along with the passion of the owners, the Rosellini family, both men and women, always ready and willing to welcome riders, champions and without distinction, cyclists who were not champions, journalists, industry professionals, both from the territory and from elsewhere who often made considerable detours from their route to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of I VIOLI and taste the dishes of Signora Maria Assunta, wife of Gino who passed away in 2020, with whom the great Alfredo Martini was accustomed to "having a chat" one-on-one with his faithful Franco Vita, as they say with a typically Tuscan expression. Even outside regular hours, but the Coach's favorite spaghetti were always ready.

In more recent times, after a period of apprenticeship, Signora Laura, Gianfranco's wife, was the one who ran the kitchen. Time, however, passes inexorably and contingent problems require a radical restructuring of the building with the inn's rooms, occupied during the week by permanent guests, including Alberto Venturini, owner of the La Lombarda company in Segrate, long-time family friends from various parts of Italy, more than clients, along with the "cycling enthusiasts" as they are called—those passionate about two wheels on this side and beyond the area of the well-known San Baronto peak, in the Montalbano area.

Now Gianfranco Rosellini will have much more time and leisure to tend the garden at his residence in Chiesina Uzzanese and, above all, to organize and catalog his cycling memorabilia and be present, always with discretion, without work worries, at the races.

I VIOLI represented a beautiful story remembered on this site over a dozen years ago (read here) and the future, as the ancients said, lies in the lap of Jupiter along with the projects and prospects of the buyers, says Gianfranco Rosellini.