Cipollini reassures fans after latest heart surgery: 'lightness in my heartbeat'

Mario Cipollini underwent a new heart operation on Monday morning. The former Italian sprinter shared the news on social media, with the reassuring message that everything went well and that he hopes it stays that way.

Cipollini broke the news himself in a video, in which he explained how he is doing. "Unfortunately, the myocarditis that was diagnosed in 2020 — which had probably developed the year before — has disrupted the electrical conduction system of my heart."

"Last November I had a defibrillator implanted — and I can assure you it was not easy," said 'Supermario'. "I didn't want it, and Dr Roberto Corsetti had to work hard to convince me — but the problem kept returning, which meant my quality of life was far from ideal."

"Corsetti himself — who I can never thank enough for the dedication with which he has supported me for years — told me about Professor Dr Natale. I was prepared to travel to the United States, where he works and operates, but fortunately he also comes to Italy from time to time to treat us, his fellow countrymen," the Italian said.

"Professor Natale is a true authority and practically the inventor of this procedure, which can recalibrate the heart's electrical system. My problem is not functional, but electrical."

Straight after his operation, Cipollini wanted to reassure the many friends and fans who had supported him in the days leading up to it — still a little groggy from the anaesthetic. "The operation went very well. As you can see, they accessed the heart via the jugular vein," he explained, the dressing still on his neck. "And I can tell you that since I woke up I have felt an enormous lightness in my heartbeat — a regularity I had not been used to for a long time."