A jersey for the most combative rider in memory of Michele Scarponi
The Tour of the Alps will award in Lienz a special jersey in memory of Michele Scarponi, crafted by Alé Cycling, to the rider who best interprets the fighting spirit of the athlete who tragically passed on April 22nd five years ago
In life you meet people who leave their mark, whose human figure goes beyond their history and existence. Years and editions may pass, but the memory of Michele Scarponi will always remain in the heart of the Tour of the Alps.
A few days before his death, on April 17th,2017, the destiny of Scarponi and the Tour of the Alps crossed inextricably. Thanks to a stroke of class on the Hungerburg hill, in Innsbruck, what would be the Italian’s last career victory wrote the first page in the history of the new Euro-regional project, following in the steps of the Giro del Trentino.
To commemorate the smile, the sympathy and the gutty spirit of Michele, who died on April 22nd five years ago, just after returning home from the roads of the Tour of the Alps, the Euroregional race has now launched a new initiative in collaboration with the Michele Scarponi Foundation, which perpetuates the champion's memory with the mission of road safety.
A special jersey dedicated to Michele Scarponi will be awarded to the athlete at the Tour of the Alps who will best demonstrate generosity and fighting spirit during the race, two of Michele’s trademark qualities.
Crafted by Alé Cycling, premium sponsor and official jersey supplier of the Tour of the Alps, the jersey is decorated with the logo of the Scarponi Foundation, the icon of the parrot Frankie, who often accompanied Michele in his training sessions in his home area, and with a phrase that the Italian rider loved to repeat to young cyclists: "Run, have fun, chase a dream, because sometimes the dream may come true!”.
The award ceremony for the most combative rider will take place at the start of the last stage of the Tour of the Alps, at the finish line in Lienz, on Friday, 22 April, exactly on the fifth anniversary of Michele Scarponi's death. The jersey will be given by the family of the beloved athlete, together with Alé Cycling.
"Years later, it is impossible to forget those five days: Michele's joy in Innsbruck, his return home to his children, and the incredible tragedy that tore the entire cycling world. We are grateful to the Scarponi Foundation and Alé Cycling for sharing the desire to commemorate Michele with this special initiative, which is sure to be much felt by the athletes in the race”, commented Giacomo Santini, GS Alto Garda President.
