The cycling world mourns on New Year's Eve the passing of beloved discoverer Bernal: "Bella Ciao!"
CyclingWednesday, 01 January 2025 at 16:48
Gianni Savio passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, at 76. The Italian was an incredibly beloved man in cycling, in which he left his legacy as team manager. The discoverer of Egan Bernal, among others, he was known as a world-class scout of South American talent. After a long and lingering illness, he now rests in peace.
"Gianni, we already miss you," wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport on New Year's Eve. "He was a respected manager, first and foremost for his extraordinary humanity but also his flair, skill, and love. He discovered the winner of the Tour de France (2019) and Giro d'Italia (2021)."
Social media also received unprecedented kind messages, especially from Savio's family. "Rest in peace, my gray friend," wrote Patrick Lefevere on X.
Or Daniele Bennati: "Gianni, prince... May the Earth shine a light on you. Thank you for all you have brought across through your training and charisma."
The most beautiful video, however, comes from The Cycling Podcast, created by journalist Daniel Friebe and others. "Just last week, we asked Gianni to sing a song for our upcoming Giro podcast, but he said he was tone-deaf. On Saturday, on Freedom Day in Italy, he agreed and sang 'Bella Ciao,' the freedom song. His wife and he did it for us and you."
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- Two old men shouting at pigeons in the park…JonS16-06-2025
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