Farewell to Costantino Conti, simply Tino to everyone. The former professional cyclist from Lecco passed away last night, born on September 26, 1945 in Nibionno, one of the most solid and consistent talents in Italian cycling between the 1960s and 1970s. Conti was a professional from 1969 to 1978, defending the colors of some of the most prestigious teams of the era: Faema, Scic, Ferretti, Zonca, Furzi FT, Magniflex and finally Gis Gelati, with which he ended his career. A journey spanning ten seasons, always lived with seriousness, dedication and consistent performance that earned him the respect of the peloton.

Before making the leap to the professional ranks, as an amateur he had already demonstrated all his worth: two gold medals at the Mediterranean Games in Tunis, in the road race and team time trial, and a prestigious second place at the Tour de l'Avenir, behind French cyclist Christian Robini.

1969 marked his entry into Eddy Merckx's Faema team, an environment that left no room for mediocrity. Conti responded immediately with a significant victory: the Giro delle Marche, his first professional win. In the top category he also won a Tre Valli Varesine, twice the Gran Premio Industria e Commercio Prato, the Giro di Toscana and the Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria.

His name is also linked to the World Championships in Ostuni, where he finished third in the elite race won by Belgian Freddy Maertens: a result that definitively confirmed his international standing.

Significant is the message from Nibionno's mayor Laura Di Terlizzi who writes: «Today Nibionno mourns the passing of Tino Conti, a great cycling champion and, above all, a true man and passionate about life.

His sporting achievements brought joy, emotion and pride to an entire territory: Tino was an extraordinary athlete, capable of inspiring and thrilling with his strength, determination and talent

Behind that strong appearance, hardened by sport, there was however a deeply human person, kind, respectful, capable of connecting with everyone. This is the memory we cherish: not just the champion, but the man he was.

To dear Maria Carla, always present and devoted, and to his entire family, my deepest condolences, from the entire municipal administration and the whole community of Nibionno».

Joining in the mourning, to remember the figure of Tino Conti we invite you to reread this portrait that our Giuseppe Figini dedicated to him.