An evening to remember a friend, a wonderful person and an excellent cyclist. An evening dedicated to Graziano Battistini, remembered by his friends, by his fellow citizens, by the many people who still speak of him today.

An evening to retrace, thanks to the historical memory of Marco Ballestracci, journalist and writer, the story of this unfortunate champion of the 1960s, who passed away prematurely in 1994 at just 57 years old from a serious illness.

A story of a great amateur cyclist, with marked aptitude for stage races. Ten seasons among the professionals with few victories but many notable placings, among which stands out his second place finish in the 1960 Tour de France behind Gastone Nencini, in which he won two stages (at Angers and Briançon).

In the ten Giro d'Italia races he started (eight of which he completed), he won two stages: the Salsomaggiore-Sestri Levante '62 (on that occasion he wore the pink jersey) and, three years later, a memorable victory in the stage that concluded at the summit of the Stelvio, surrounded by walls of snow. On that occasion the Stelvio was also the first Cima Coppi of the Giro and Battistini had the honor of being the first to sign his name there.

In 1960, his best season, he also won the Coppa Sabatini. After hanging up his bike, he dedicated himself to developing young cyclists. Among other things, he was the discoverer of Massimo Podenzana, two-time Italian champion.

He was from Fosdinovo, but Graziano lived until the end in Baccano, a hamlet of Arcola, where on Wednesday, September 23rd, the 3rd edition of the "Grand Cycling Gala - Battistini Award" dedicated to him took place. It was wanted by the Battistini family, starting with Diana, his daughter, and by Mayor Monica Paganini, supported by Deputy Mayor Gianluca Tinfena, who was also the skilled master of ceremonies for the entire evening, made possible thanks to the support of Banca BVLG (Banca Versilia Lunigiana e Garfagnana) and Cassa di Risparmio di Carrara. But the biggest applause went to Marco Vezzi and his wonderful family. A true cycling enthusiast, Marco Vezzi has been very close to the Giro della Lunigiana for years and to this event which was celebrated (it was originally scheduled for September 9th, but was postponed due to bad weather) right in the courtyard of his beautiful company (Poliartigiana, specialized in the processing and sale of dried cod and more, editor's note).

After Marino Bartoletti and Massimo Podenzana, Francesco Pancani and Maurizio Fondriest, the other evening it was the turn of our director Pier Augusto Stagi, who was honored alongside Alessandro Petacchi (who grew up in US Luni) who was injured (fractured scapula) and connected from home. The evening unfolded amid memories, videos and some reflections on today's cycling, in front of a packed square of enthusiasts who gave their most sincere applause to these witnesses of contemporary cycling and to their great fellow citizen: Graziano Battistini, to whom a square will soon be dedicated.