Cykeln Magazine 02 Worlwide edition

U R B A N

路

P E O P L E

路

F I X E D

路

R I D E R S

路

H U B

1

Editor: Niccolò Poppi

Art direction: Claudio di Santo

graphic designer: Simone “duman” Marinelli

On the cover: Faz Adhili by Firhan Fikran

Info: info.cykeln@gmail.com

Advertising: advcykeln@hotmail.it

Web: www.cykelnmag.altervista.org

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Emily Anna Ollerenshaw

PHOTO CREDITS: Gianni Reb Mazzotta Jason Finn Rocco Bizzarri Emily Porter Greg Ugalde Firhan Fikran Efendy Mesebah Martina Gastaldi

I start with this quote from the movie “Premium Rush” to define a bit ‘what’s our spirit in CYKELN.

We also believe in no brakes, we like to interview who and what we like and do not follow any bias arising from the social scene in which we move.

In this issue the Italian cover is dedicated to the girls scene. We interviewed our friend Nicole Barbieri that as you will read, is both feminine as tough as a man temperamentally.

While for the international version we choose to cover one of the best rider from the Leader Team, Faz Adhili. A man who has the bike heart and soul.

Besides we wanted to better understand the N.Y. messenger scene interviewing one of the veterans of Triple Rush, who in addition of being an expert rude Messenger, is also a great illustrator.

To brings you on the Eroica race in Gaiole in Chianti this year, we visited for you the museum of Gino Bartali. Was a moving experience full of history and humanity.

Besides we want to thank all of those who give us an hand and work with us!

Photographers who make sets exclusively for us and those who review activities, events, products for us! You are unique, especially because as you know, here money doesn’t run, so thank you twice!

© 2012 by Cykeln Mag All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Cykeln Magazine.

2

3

6

FR A NC E SCO M A RT U CCI

L E A NING INFINIT E straightstretch

Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Rocco Bizzarri

Tips by: Riccardo Volpe Pics: Angelo Ferrillo e Paolo Ciaberta

28 NIC K COST A N Z O Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Emily Porter

40

50

62

F A Z A DHI L I

GR E G UGALDE

TIG E RS BI K E PO L O

Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Greg Ugalde

Interview by: Robben Pics: Robben & Tigers flickr

74

86

98

NICO L E B A RBI E RI

B U D A BI L L E

BLAQ

Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Dave Jaranilla

Interview by: Jason Finn Pics: Jason Finn

108

118

124

A NG E L O CALILAP

G L OB A L G U T Z R E PORT

L ’ HO M M E D E FER

Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Angelo Calilap

Pics: Martina Gastaldi

Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Niccolò Poppi

Interview by: Claudio Di Santo Pics: Firhan Fikran e Efendy Mesebah

Interview by: Niccolò Poppi Pics: Gianni Reb Mazzotta

4

18

“ Il b e n e s i f a , ma n o n s i dice. E certe me d a g l i e s i appendono all ’ a n i ma , n o n alla g i a c c a . ” G I N O B A R TA L I

5

Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO • Pics: ROCCO BIZZARRI

6

7

Tell us about yourself! At what age did you start riding fixed gear bikes?

I’m Francesco Martucci, also known as Frenk. I’m a bike mechanic, and I’ve been working in a shop, in Modena, for the past 6 years. I started riding when I was 10, racing in ever y youth competition, but I had

Who is your favorite Olympic rider?

Actually, it’s two riders: they managed to transmit me their emotion. Oscar Freire and Robbye McEwen: unpredictable persons, the latter being capable of crashing the famous Cipollini train on his own. I grew up looking

to quit at 18 to become a sport manager.

at him on tv. My road Olympics favorites, on

After 2 years with my former coach, rising

the other hand, are Sagan and Cavendish,

through the ranks, I trained the Cadet

but pay attention to Freire!

categor y (15-16 years) for 3 years on my own; I used to have 6 boys to train at the 2000 Cycling, in Rubiera (RE). I struggled between those 2 jobs, full-time in store and a few hours a week (including ever y Sunday) with the team. Being a sport manager was really committing, but also beautiful and

What brand is your sponsor, at the moment?

Le Coq Sportif is giving me a hand, and I’ll never thank them enough. I also want to thank my friends at Iride Fixed

exciting. However, I decided to quit a few

Modena, my moral supporters, apart from

years ago, when the Iride guys introduced

being sponsors, Oakley and Performance

me to the fixed gear world. I really needed

One and Limbo Azul.

some free time to train, and I couldn’t give up on my only source of income, so I still work in the store and I train during my free time.

Do you see bikes as a revolution, opposed to cars?

I think it’s the perfect way to move in a city: you don’t have to look for a parking, it’s relaxing and much quicker than a car. However, cars are useful when it comes to long journeys. This is why bikes will never prevail over cars; still, they’re good when used in the city.

8

You’re both a track and a road rider. Main differences in the two styles It’s true, I was born as a road rider, and all the track races I’ve done, were always depending on the road. The main difference is the road needs you to be a complete racer, ready for ever y accident, ever y route, ever y race. The track enhances your spinning skills only, and it is also really useful depending on the road, you learn to be quick, I’d suggest it to road racers too!

9

1,71cm

60 kg

79 cm

50

15

45 km/h media

the hunt Londra gijon Spagna criterium Ravenna wild side Modena blackout Parma scratch Brainza

10

11

Do you think Italy has many track riders?

your route and the kind of training you

We have many Italian track riders with a

every accident. After that, I need to train

lot of potential, but we lack of structures

to get to the Red Hook podium, in Milan:

to allow them some kind of growth,

last October, I was in the fourth place!

do every time, so you’ll be ready for

which is much easier in other countries. and a half from Modena to get the guys

Next competitions in your schedule?

I used to train to the track. We often had

I have some time for myself now, then

to cancel ever ything, because they went

I’ll have to start training again, since I’m

to school and they wouldn’t have had

running a few criteriums here in Italy, in

time to study.

September, and I’m running the Gjion

I remember driving in a van for an hour

one too, in Spain.

An advice for someone who has just approached the fixed culture?

Brakeless fied can be really dangerous

What gear ratio do you suggest to any beginner that wants to give a try to fixed bikes?

for beginners. Apart from that, find some

If you want to start with a criterium,

good friends you can go racing with:

the standard ratio would be a 46x15.

being in company is much better than

Nevertheless, I’d say you pick a ratio

riding solo, and right now you can find

based on your physical condition, and

plenty of crews all over Italy!

what track you’re running.

The first thing I would say is, use a brake!

You do train a lot, and us at Cykeln always try to give some advice to our readers.

What do you suggest to improve bike training?

The best advice is: get to know yourself, get to know your limits and your flaws.

In this way, you can specifically work on your gaps. Furthermore, try to change

12

FRANCESCO MARTUCCI www.facebook.com/IrideModenaHubStore www.iridefixed.it

13

Furthermore, try to change your route and the kind of training you do every time, so you’ll be ready for

EVERYTHING

14

15

Bag’s

walter/modena/Iride

Pierpaolo/Bologna/UBM

16

17

Leaning i

n

f

i

n

i

t

e

straight-stretch Tips by: R i c c a r d o V o l p e Pics: A n g e l o F e rr i l l o & P a o l o C i a b e r ta

18

19

Let’s begin from the bottom, what racing

ing to the offender of the rule. The ones

on track could be: spinning your legs

who think they are beyond the rules are

here is just another part of the alchemy,

usually good at pedalling...

you are in group, so close to all the other

Which is a long step away from be-

racers that you can feel their effort, and

ing a rider, not to mention from being a

your head tries to understand their moves.

pistard. Besides, track bicycles have so

This ver y moment, the soul of track races,

few components that everyone is basic,

is just the finishing line of a much longer

yet crucial: a simple flawed chain could

run.

do disasters, when riding at 50 km/h on a 38° bend... So the gears of the brain

I’ve been asked the same question many

need to constantly spin, just like those on

times: “wow, I would love to try riding on

fixed bikes do, always connected to the

track, how is it? Is it good?”. It’s hard to

legs, with no distractions accepted.

express many feelings with just one pointblank answer. The answer will obviously

This is how you start to understand that

be yes, and I’m sure anyone would an-

you have really good brakes on a track

swer the same.

bike too: your right leg, your left leg.

Many people would wonder where is

Flies are not the only one who can see

the point in going around the track, rid-

behind their head, good track riders can

ing a bike in a ring that is even marked

too, being also capable of keeping their

with lines to follow. Stupid-proof. On the

own line and speed during a training, or

contrar y, the order required by the track

a group race.

open the door to a brand new world that is hardly abandoned, after giving it a

And following a line isn’t really the easi-

first tr y.

est or most comfortable thing, but you learn to find a balance between riding

The most important thing is discipline:

a bike and being carried away by para-

the track is not the road, where you have

bolic bends, and this is what makes you

rules bound to personal interpretation and

give your best when racing against the

will. Here, the rules cannot be interpret-

time.

ed: there are only a few, but clear and inviolable to avoid any damage, includ-

20

The real track spirit is about the many

21

22

23

disciplines, and the different kinds of

track will disappear, it will lose any

races: you can’t think of training on track

sense. It will leave space to a leaning

without a competition spirit.

infinite straight-stretch of track, ploughed

No matter your level, racing brings the

by the racers in a challenge that has

track to a whole new level: you pit your-

no equals. No common road race has

self against people like you, and that is

such intense dynamics, and the track will

what makes the velodrome so similar to

leave permanent marks in the minds and

the old arenas.

legs of the ones running.

Track’s disciplines are so ancient and well-known that many of you will already know this: they want to take to the extremes and refine the confused mix of techniques, tactics and natural skills that road races bring. The track it is different: no improvisation, because you might damage the ones racing next to you.

The races are short, strong and you need to take decisions within the space of a second, without breaking up the thrust on the pedals, no flaws. Just a perfect symbiosis with the continuity of a fixed gear bike.

This is why, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself within a group, be it a score race or a scratch, with very little space between you and the other racers, and you’ll feel their effort along with yours, and your concentration will be so high that you’ll foresee your opponents’ next moves and... In that very moment, the

24

LEANING INFINITE STRAIGHT - STRETCH www.riky76omnium.wordpress.com

25

26

27

NICK c o s ta n z o A Tuscan boy in Milwaukee

Interview: NICCOLO’ POPPI • Pics: Emily Porter

28

29

So, Nick: first of all, tell us why you were here in Italy and what is your relationship with our country.

What do you do in Milwaukee for a living?

I was born in Siena in 1990, and I have lived

though we’re a little bit unique in our field:

for a few years in Porto Santo Stefano, on the

we’re open 24/7, and we deliver practically

wonderful Argentario mountain. Later on, in

everything. I also work as the creative manager

1996, I moved with my mom to Milwaukee,

of BBC items: we sell backpacks, messenger

Wisconsin, the little town from Fonzy and

bags, hip pouches, cellphone cases and all

Happy Days! Eventually, this summer, I came to

sorts of useful things for bike messengers. I

study fashion in a tiny school here in Florence.

always try to use second-hand stuff whenever I

I’m the owner of Brew City Couriers LLC. We’re a company of bike messengers, even

can - to be eco-friendly!

How did you find out about the Alleycat we arranged in Florence on the 6th of July?

What is Brew City Couriers? Tell us, how did it all start?

I stumbled into in on a blog, just before leaving

I created BBC because I needed a job. I

the United States! Lucky for me, the race was

had been working as a messenger in Denver,

just the day after I had arrived in Florence.

Colorado for a year, then I came back to

Milwaukee in December and I couldn’t find a job. So I said to myself, “if you can’t join them,

You took part in the race even though you were totally jet lagged, is that right?

beat them!”. I started BCC with two friends,

Yes! I think I had been awake for at least 36

one working, but now we already have 7

hours at that time. I had to get to Grosseto to

riders, and we’re planning to grow bigger!

but they left the firm so I’m the only owner at the moment. At the beginning I was the only

get the bike and the team jersey from my new owner had to borrow me his personal bike

What is Vessel Worshop, and what do you do with them?

since it was the only gear fixed one that had!

Vessel Workshop is part of Brew City Couriers.

On top of that, it had been my first day of

It’s a creative area I use to draw and produce

lessons. As soon as the classes were over, I

new items. We have a huge studio in the 3rd

came to the race! Everything went smoothly!

Ward, downtown Milwaukee, where I have

sponsor, MBM Bambagioni. In fact, the firm

sewing machines and all the supplies I need.

30

31

There I can create cellphone cases, u- lock

alluminium. I really like it, but at the moment I’m

cases, hip pouches, several backpacks for

looking for a Dodici frame: I just can’t wait for

bike messengers, many tool rolls and top- tube-

it!

protectors. We’re starting a new clothing line, with pants, t-shirts, jackets, hats. You will be

What kind of rider are you?

able to buy the hats like the one I’m wearing

I’m the fast-but-safe kind, when I’m working:

in the picture on our website from the end

if I get injured, I can’t work... So, I am really

of October. Unfortunately the website isn’t

careful. After work, I really enjoy longer sprints

available already, but we’re on Facebook.

with my friends, specially at night.

Send me a shout out! We also do custom that they have designed. Nevertheless, Vessel,

Don’t you think this is just a momentary fashion?

just like BCC, is still a small company. We’re

I hope not! Many say that messengers no

growing up and developing day by day.

longer have work to do, but what I believe

projects for our clients, such as creating bags

is that the job that we do is changing. For

What does being a bike messenger mean to you?

instance, there are many restaurants that

Well, a bike messenger... I get a satisfaction

find such a free job nowadays. From what

that no other job ever managed to give me

I’ve seen in Denver, Milwaukee and Italy...

before. Riding my bike makes me feel free,

Fixed gear are all around. This phase is just

and not only when I’m working. Who doesn’t

getting started, and it is ready to explode on a

love to go on a ride? If you pick a job that you

worldwide level.

have started to use bike delivery: it is hard to

love and that brings joy to your life, having to messenger is really funny, even though there

Fixed gear no brakes or single speed?

are many dangers and risks. But I don’t think I

Only fixed no break. Especially with all the

could ever do any other job.

snow we have!

Did your Italian origins have had any kind of influence on your first approach to bikes?

When are you planning to come back in Italy?

I think so, one of my very first fixed gear bikes

couriers to take part in a few alleycats in Italy

has been a classic chromed Bianchi Pista. Just

next summer. You will see us for sure at the next

before that, I had been using a full-carbon fiber

Dante’s Affair in Florence!

do it every single day isn’t hard. Being a bike

I’m trying to arrange a small team of American

Cannondale Synapse, it was really weightless.

Right now, I’m using a Leader 725TR in

32

NICK COSTANZO www.facebook.com/brewcitycouriers www.facebook.com/VesselWorkshop

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

FAZ A

D

H

I

L

I

Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO // Pics: Firhan Fikran & Efendy Mesebah

40

41

First Of all introduce yourself to Cykeln magazine

Tell us how much is evolved the fixed gear scene in Your city

Hi my name is Faz Adhili. Rise and born in Kuala

Back 3 to 4 years ago, no one really care about

Lumpur, Malaysia. I run my own creative studio, I

who has the best bike and the fastest legs. By

do a lot of stuff regarding bikes. And i love boobs.

riding bicycle it is one of activity where you can gather everyone in one place and have a great

At what age you started Riding fixed gear Bike?

with all of your friends. Speaking for myself, i still

I started riding fixed gear bike since I was

filming and producing a lot of fixed gear video. By

in college. Where at that time i was always

doing that, we realize that i managed to inspire

communiting from one point to another point. Back

a lot of people to go out and ride their bike. It

in 2010, there is the very first fixed gear event in

is all about putting fun between your legs but it

Malacca, Malaysia and i took part in the mini-race

goes from time to time that people getting serious

and I won. Since then, i started racing seriously in

competing with each other. It is a good thing if

more and more events in and out the country.

you see it from a different perspective cause it is a

remember where we used to have a lot of time

healthy competition. From there, we can produce

Which are Your favorite track and road riders?

a lot of new talent out from nowhere. Hence, we will create a solid fixed gear scene.

It is gotta be my national-hero, the Malaysian track

aren’t the biggest sport in Malaysia and to be

Right now, you are Riding for leader bike, how The sponsorship started?

the world-champ is kinda a huge achievement.

It started when i went to Jakarta Fixed-fest and I

When i first met him in Jakarta, I was surprise to

met Patrick Thames (the man that been responsible

see how small he is. I believe with his big heart

in inventing The Kagero). When i first saw the

he managed to overcome the physical factor to be

prototype frame i was wondering what kind of

one of the fastest sprinter in the world. My favourite

brand it is. I thought it was some kind of custom

road-rider sure would be Peter Sagan. Started

aluminium frame from U.S.A. I was really impressed

following his progress since Tour of California this

with it geometry and the paint job was super nice.

year where he won few stages in full of style. At

Talked to Patrick about the prototype frame and he

his very young age, he already put his name as

explained everything and once I get back to my

one of the main contender in every competition he

hometown, he offered me to be a part of the team.

participate.

Thats how I got into Leader.

cyclist, Azizul Hasni Awang who also been known by the name of the Pocket Rocket man. Cycling

42

43

Your current set-up? On Your leader kagero.

the best racer. It is full of technical stuff where you

My current set-up for my Kagero is Durace crank

Unlike alleycat, you don’t need to be the fastest guy

with Durace wheelset laced with H +son rims,

but you need the one who know the route really

thomson seatpost and stem, 3T bar, striped selle

well. In criterium race, you need to be really good

Italia, Look Keo Blade pedals.

in taking corner, sprinting, drafting and how good

need to create the right strategy to win the race.

are you working with your team mate. (If you have

Do you see The Bike as a revolution to The car?

one.) And usually it is always come to the very last

To be realistic I don’t think it won’t get there as

each other to decide who is the winner.

stretch where people sprinting and hustling with

a car replacement. It is really hard because oil and gas has been dominating as the opportunity

Future plans?

in the world market. Especially in Malaysia, it is

I wanna visit the State within next year meeting up

not convinience for you to get around with bike

with my homies. I was suppose to go to Vegas for

due to the super hot and humid weather. Plus,

Interbike but I failed to get my visa on time. I will

the goverment are not supporting this idealogy of

try to make my way to S.F next year for the Redbull

communiting with bike. But I always agree with the

Ride and Style. And im currently working on a new

idea of been eco-friendly.

edit for my DVD project and working for some article for few magazines for KLIFGT. I just build

What do you think about Italy bike history?

my very first road bike where I am really interested

It is full of history and prestige regarding how

the time being, I got to work my ass off to pay bills

Italy producing their bike. So many big names to

since Im living at my own place, get a new car

be list down. The craftmanship in frame building

and get married. ;)

in taking part in some road race competition. For

is undoubted to be the best in the world. That is the main reason why people recognized and appreciate the Italian-craftmanship. I still remember my very first track bike was a GIOS. I gotta say it is one of my all time favourite track frame.

Alley cat or criterium race?

Criterium! Im a serious racer kind of guy. For me, criterium race is the perfect discipline to see who is

44

FAZ ADHILI www.fazadhilicreativelab.com/ www.247bigtime.com/

45

46

47

48

49

GREG UGALDE THE TRUE RUSH

Interview: NICCOLO’ POPPI • Illustration: GREG UGALDE

50

51

What’s your first memory about messenger as job?

How was the evolution from normal bike to fixed?

I applied for a job at Orbit-Lightspeed in 1986 I

At first I never considered riding a fixie, by the

think, I was friends with Crazy Lou. They wouldn’t

time I had a nice cannondale roadie I was really

hire me because I didn’t have I.D. So it was 14

into shifting but it was almost impossible to keep it

years later that I finally had I.D. And fulfilled my

riding and shifting perfect when you ride everyday

dream of becoming a bike messenger. Sounds

over potholes and winter conditions. I spent a

sarcastic but I’m serious, it means a lot to me,

fortune maintaining it. Fixies are obviously more

this job. All that it represents, the freedom, the

work to ride and it sounds dangerous but of course

attitude, the whole mythology about bucking

I was curious and began wanting to try one. I had

the system. It’s part job- part hustle, we’re on the

an admiration for fixed riders, the motions and

borderline between hard-working man and outlaw

postures reminded me a little of matadors or tango

breaking the rules. I see the job as a an unspoken

dancers, it can be very elegant and gracefull.

compromise between me and the system; low pay,

Finally I realized the decision was already made

no benefits, getting hurt all the time, discrimination

and so I got one as soon as I could afford to

and suspicion but in exchange I get to break rules

switch.

that apply to other citizens like red lights and other traffic rules, dress codes, drug policies, you name

Brake or brakeless?

it, I say fuck it. But there’s always plenty of crack-

I prefer brake less, I like the hardcoreness of riding

downs, maybe someday they’ll really put a stop

with no brakes and no helmet, if I could ride

to it altogether and replace us with monkeys, who

blindfolded to be a little more impressive, I would.

knows. I hope I don’t live to see it.

But I had a brake at first and if I have an injury I might have to put one back on someday. It really

When did you buy your first bicycle?

doesn’t matter, it’s the rider and not the bike that

I got my first bike when I was 6 but the first bike I

at someone with a brake or judge them by the bike

bought to work on was after I got out of prison in

they’re riding.

matters. I know better than to look condescendingly

2000, I worked as a walker for a couple of weeks just to get on the road. Now I have a very nice

You are a passionate illustrator whats your art speak about?

bike with good parts, I keep the chain clean so it

My passion is for the subject matter; bicycles,

always rides smooth.

riding bikes, fixed gear shit, messengering, and

to get enough money to buy a used mountain bike

bicycle culture. I like to draw what it feels like

52

53

to ride a bike and represent a life lived on two

in touch with the messengers through e-mails,

wheels. Like that I can never run out of ideas. I can

they contacted Squid and the Bike Messenger

portray them as transportation so right there all time

Association they also connected with several

and space opens up, a bike is also a tool and so

companies to see who would go for it. There were

gives us power, a bike can also be a provider and

no casting calls that i’m aware of, they came and

therefore a god. It’s a special relationship people

made a little sample of interviews and off they

have with their bikes, I try to tap into that. And if

went to sell it. I had forgotten all about it until one

I’m short of a good idea I just draw on another set

day they called with the news; “Travel Chanel is

of wings. It’s so easy. I think of my art as Folk Art,

gonna do it” , I thought wow, those guys weren’t

It’s for the people, for the community, they’re the

kidding, they turned out to be serious pros, there’s

ones who give it life. I’m very grateful that I have

always talk of a show but it never gets made, these

people who ask me to do the flyers for their events;

guys made it happen. It was Scott Papera and Karl

I thank Kevin Bolger, J.C. Ramirez, Victor Ouma,

Kimbrough two guys who over a beer had an idea

Hodari DePalm, Stoned Tone, Crihs Thormann,

to do a show about the messengers, it’s amazing.

Alfred Bobe, Felipe Robayo and even Doom got

perfect high polished art, I just know a few tricks

Do you think the program deserves a better channel of distribution or promotion?

but I draw from the heart, with feeling and emotion.

I think so yes, I don’t know anything about the

I hope that it says something about life.

business but it seems to me the Travel Chanel was

one out of me. If you’ve seen my art it’s thanks to them and everybody at the event. It’s not technically

not the best fit for our show, we have a global

Has being into bicycle culture changed your life?

audience but in order to make money Travel Chanel

Sure, in many ways, some I’m probably not even

at least they made it, that was pretty visionary of

aware of. Good people, overall there’s a very

them, even if they lost heart in the end. I consider

strong support structure in the bike community, I

it a hit because we had a good reception from the

wish I could go to more events, I miss a lot because

bike community. The people were very skeptical

of the art thing, I’m always pressed for time. It’s a

at first, before it aired but we won most people

little ironic.

over when they watched it, I think they could

needs for people to watch the old fashioned way,

tell it was sincere. The messenger community

54

How did you get involved with the Triple Rush program?

is a global phenomenon, the network was not

This production company from California got

watch it, my guess would be that the majority of

able to monetize the way people were able to

55

available on Hulu which is blocked internationally

Do you know some famous names of Italian cycling history?

so to see it you have to download software like

Just the basics, there’s Ottavio Bottecchia (sorry not

some poor dissident trying to get on FB from an

sure of the spelling) in the beginning, I’ve heard

oppressive regime. I can’t believe how hard it’s

of the greatest; Alfredo Binda and also I’ve heard

been to connect this show with all the people who

of the rivalry between Gino Bartali and Fausto

want to see it, it’s incredible. I was shocked when

Coppi. In any conversation about Italian Cycling

they cancelled it, I’m very glad we were able to

history I’ll be doing more listening than talking. I like

get enough support to rescue the show from the

that the whole sport began because everybody in

network. I know it’s absurd for me to be on T.V. But

the country was riding bicycles. It’s a very proud

that’s the world we live in and I think our show was

history. I’m 43 years old, not very tall and I smoke

a s good as any and better than most. I think what

but I still haven’t given up on my dream of riding

made our show different was that in other shows

professionally for an Italian team. Wish me luck.

people who’ve watched it did so through pirate sites or back door channels. Even today it’s only

there is a sense of hope and optimism, usually win a lot of money. The people on our show were

What do you love about your job?

hopefully and optimistic too but the viewers can

The only thing I love about my job is that one

see they’re just treading water and if they think they

fine day I’ll be dead and won’t have to do it any

may succeed its only because they’re deluded so it

more, so I love that my job makes me less afraid

comes across as a little sad. I think one of the best

to die. no, I’m just kidding, a little. There’s a lot to

qualities of the show is that it challenges the myth

like about it, I get to ride my bike all day, for that

of the American dream that says if you only work

alone it’s the best job in the world, and if that’s not

hard enough you’ll succeed because right there on

enough there’s also no drug test, ha, just kidding

T.V. they’re working us to death. Triple Rush is a

again but if I have a puff it’s not the end of the

snuff film.

world.

Are you a passionate vintage fanatic?

What do you hate about it?

Not exactly, I’m a potential vintage fanatic, I lack

There’s no way it takes that much physical

the resources to indulge in collecting vintage bikes.

labor and man hours in order to provide for my

I would really love to have an old handmade

simple needs. I’m being squeezed and I feel it.

lugged steel frame, preferably Italian.

Dealing with injustice is a big part of any job.

about some high paying occupation or a contest to

56

I hate jobs on principal, it’s pure exploitation.

57

The things you never get on your bike without?

I Carry an extra inner tube and all the tools I need to fix a flat. I don’t like to let people know because they’re going to want to borrow my pump, it’s bad enough they know I have cigarettes!

GREG UGALDE www.gregugalde.com/

58

59

60

61

I N G G E TS T O G OU E GH TH

TH

OUGH G E T E T

N

G O

IN

G W

H E

Intervista: ROBBEN • Pics: TIGERS FLICKR & ROBBEN

62

63

The Tigers team needs no introduction.

Whether you play polo, or you just heard talking about it, you’ll know that they are one the best Italian teams, let alone that they stand on the class podium.

The team is well know both in Europe and overseas, thanks to their harsh, yet incisive, play. Moreover, they took part in important championship, such as the European ones in Barcelona in 2011, and Paris in 2012. At Seattle’s World Championship in 2011, they competed as the only Italian crew, against many foreign teams.

Tobia, Cento and Mattia form the team, living in the area between Vicenza (their official base), Treviso and Venice. The last 3 years have been the peak of the team’s career: not only they have won many international competitions, but they’re the reigning national champions, having won the championship held in Chianciano Terme (Siena) at the end of April.

You can read here about the quick talk we’ve had about bike polo.

How did you become so fond of Bike Polo?

We started playing around, when we took part in the first Alleycat races in Riding in Circle, but one night we met up and started playing: since then, it’s been an addiction.

64

65

66

67

Who was the one that started it all? Did they drag you in? in Vicenza, then everyone followed. Legend has it

players. What is your solution when it comes to games and tournaments you participate to, or that you arrange?

the first game was arranged by Nora, from Milan.

The real problem is about money: we have to

Anyway, the absolutely first ones to play bike polo

go all over the world by plane, taking our bikes

have been from Seattle, more than 10 years ago.

with us, and it’s really expensive. We’re now the

The guys from Riding in Circle started playing here

main experts about every airline fair they charge

How long since you started playing?

to check-in sports equipment! The whole bike polo

Winter of 2008.

mallets, and we arrange the events. It may sound

world is all for the DIY, we build our own frames, really cool, “European Championship”, or even

What is the thing you’ve changed, looking back at your first game?

“World Tournament”, but actually it’s just the same

Our speed. I think it’s four times what it used to by.

What do you think about the bike polo scene here in Italy?

Any comparisons with other countries?

The speed of the ball, of the bikes and, obviously, of the crash. The game is harsher, but it’s amazing.

people, every time.

How did you choose your team name?

The scene here was born a little bit later, compared

Cento was having an “animal” moment: always

even if we have the same number of players,

drawing animals, acting like an animal too. When

more or less. We still can’t compete against them,

it came down to choosing a name, he said,

but I believe we really have some potential: we

“tigers!”. I owned an old Soviet pin with a tiger on

just have to push to the limit, make kids come to

it: we just customized the design a little, and then

our court, give them bikes and mallets, arrange

we had our name and our logo.

meeting and exhibitions. That’s the only way we

to France, England, Switzerland and Germany,

can reduce the gap between the European and

Bike polo is a difficult game to dedicate to, since it is not credited at a competitive level yet, so it is not easy to find facilities that can host the

68

world superpowers, and us. In England, they have meeting at school: polo bikers go there with 10 bikes of different sizes, mallets, balls and they let the kids play. SO COOL.

69

The bike polo veterans who have seen this sport growing up, what changes have they seen, on a technical level?

They are the ones who have changed the game: we play it in a completely different way, compared to how they used to, just a few years ago. We have changed the bikes, the mallets, quitting the fixed pinion and adding rapid joints to the pedals.

The ones starting to play now have it easier, the game is much more structured. You would learn in 6 months, what it took us 4 years to get.

Besides bike polo, what is your relationship with your bike?

Fixed bikes have been our starting point. Obviously, our paths have divided, just like a kid growing up and leaving home when he comes at age. We’re not that kind of hardliners, take women: they’re all so beautiful, you can’t just focus on brunettes. With bikes, it’s the same: you just ride.

TIGERS BIKE POLO www.tigershbpc.wordpress.com/

70

71

72

73

Nicole BARBIERI

Interview: NICCOLO’ POPPI • Pics: GIANNI REB MAZZOTTA

74

75

First of all, who is Nicole Barbieri?

circuses”. For various reasons I’m not talking

Nice question, with a Pirandello twist…

to my father anymore but I can’t deny that

well I’d use a rhetorical trick and tell

we have many things in common, such as

you how I do not like to be described

stamina, tenace and and our extreme dive

(alternative model, dj..) but I think it’s better

–in aptitude which sometimes goes over the

to focus on what has been steady in whole

top.

life, my body piercer job at a very well known shop in Bologna, which I have been

So did you substitute nail

doing since I was a youngster.

varnishes, make up and pretty

I also do loads of things and I don’t want

dresses with chains, frames, and

to bore you… but still, to cut a long story

sport gear?

short my lifelong passions are black music

Hell no. I keep on recklessly buy all of the

and dogs, I’m the proud mum of my

above! Substitute is not a word of mine,

beloved 12 years-old bull terrier. Apart from

I can’t deny it, I tend to accumulate and

that I’m a thai boxer and cyclist (I guess

collect stuff, and that’s trouble. I’ve simply

we’ll talk extensively about this!)

added some queries to my ebay listings and sometimes I realize how sneaky my

How and when did you got into

spending need can be.

cycling?

However who said that a woman who’s

And here it comes my father, avid cyclist,

into cycling shall become masculine

who bought me a series of pink Bianchi

and shaggy? To remain girly it’s quite a

bikes, one identical to the other exception

challenge - and it’s part of the game.

made from the size. We used to go MTBing and already at the time I realized

Is cycling a proper sport for you

that my annoying calves could come useful

or a free time hobby?

at a certain point in life. Fact stands, that I

I’d say a free time hobby. I don’t have

never could zip up a pair of boots!

much free time to devote to cycling as much as I’d love to, I mostly commute from my

76

Anyways my father didn’t like my switch

workplace to my gym, which is where I

from MTB to fixed gear, he thought

train almost everyday. In the past I’ve track

fixed gear is good for “velodromes and

cycled, attended races, organized some…

77

but of course It’s an amateur thing. I’ve tried

I also love fixed gear because I’m quite

for years to lure my friends into long-ish

lazy and I tend to set aside whatever thing

country rides but it didn’t work out really,

that broke, ‘cause I can’t be arsed to bring

I’ve ended up riding alone.

it to the shop to have it fixed. Fixed gear bikes have less components hence less

Then I’ve kind of stopped because I have

things can break, it’s known. I can fix some

a problem with roadkill… and sadly on the

things myself now.

streets I used to ride there are many. My mom says I’m a big soft thing and I often

How’s Bologna from the urban

rode back home whining. I really needed

cycling side?

the Berlin- Stockholm to get into riding

I’ve had the chance to ride in many cities

again! (oops, we had to talk about this

and the one I like most is Bologna. Not as

later, innit?)

many traffic jams as in bigger cities, no hills and overall… no tram rails! It’s pretty much

Why do you use fixed gear?

ideal for fixed gear bikes.

Let’s say that when I want to wear the fancy

To enjoy Bologna on a bike I’d advise not

dress I just hop on my freewheel, but I have

to use cycle lanes in the city centre, ‘cause

my mad share of fun only when I’m on my

those are randomly placed, they are as

fixed gear.

useless as dangerous.

On Bologna’s bike lanes you can find

I’m a bit of a crazy ass one, during the

moms pushing their prams, awkwardly

years I’ve collected stitches just as you do

parked SUVs… if you feel like getting in a

with supermarket coupons, I’ve broken my

brawl, well it’s the place to be! In half an

arm in the same spot twice in six months…

hour someone is getting a slap, that’s for

and everytime I’ve started again with the

sure.

same adrenaline craving. Some years ago we had this running joke about me being

Fixed gear is often compared to

the Mat Hoffman of fixed gear, since I’ve

skate, do you think those are

never stopped despite my injuries! But mind

similar?

you, only for the injuries!

Maybe yes, maybe not. Some fixed gear riders come from the skate “scene” (did I’ve

78

79

just spelled “scene”? unbelievable), but I’m

home full of bruises than playing those

legs and a 10kgs luggage on your back

forums, get curious and overall: don’t let

not really convinced that fixed gear brings

silly girly games where I always ended up

has been proper satisfactory.

your boyfriend do the choosing!

any counterculture message…

playing the witch! The step from there to Tattoos

You’d deprive yourself of one of the most

As you can see from the pictures I have

fun things in cycling. If you can also

cycling wasn’t a big one.

Just the word “movement” makes me smile.

This kind of listing always comes after a

Recently you’ve been on a quite

several tattoos… I’m asked everyday how

assemble your bike yourself, component

while, when the first spark is lost. I guess

long journey …

many do I have but I can’t really tell, so

after component… to match your nail

who got into skateboarding/fixed gear

My first cycling holiday, and I’m fascinated

thank you for not asking! They are all made

varnish will be even more fun. If you will

just did for the sake of it, because they

by it… I will do this again for sure. The

by different artists over the years, some

be so good that you’ll ride constantly and

were there in that moment, without any

Berlin-Stockholm idea was created by the

remind me of events and times of my life

get into the competitive side of it, well - be

awareness of it being a counterculture.

Going North team, founded by my mates

but not all of them have a proper meaning,

aware that you’re going to benefit it! At

Stefano Sesta and Giovanni Olivieri,

I like to think about my skin as a sort of

races there are always few girls and if

What I fancy about both is that while we

supported by the Milan-based company

Dadaist ready-made canvas where the

you’re well trained It’s going to snow prizes

have good athletes and talents, people

Tucano.

subject is shown without being charged of

like it’s Christmas.

a particular meaning.

never lose the taste for goofiness and fun,

To boys I’ll say: don’t ever stop riding, and

which I think it’s crucial! Alright you’re an

Last year I vicariously followed their

athlete, be over the top!

adventures from Trento to Brunico. This year

As per bike-related tattoos, I’ve got two: a

not only on the interwebs! And please don’t

they decided to upgrade the challenge with

super recent one (still scabby!) on my thumb

forget to shag your girlfriend, you can never

I don’t want to get too into the differences

a longer mileage spread out on a longer

which is the Going North logo – I’ve had it

know, if you’re too busy worshipping that

of both worlds, still it would be interesting

time span, circa two weeks.

made as soon as I came back home from

pair of super rare Campagnolo NJS hubs

to compare how many people collect track

I couldn’t help but join them! This has really

this epic trip which I’ll forever cherish. The

maybe someone will do your girlfriend the

bikes and who at the time used to collect

been one of my most enjoyable trips ever…

other one, on my calf, is the traditional-style

favour!

reinterpretation of the main character of

skate decks just to hang them on the wall…

There was chemistry between all of us even

this 1956 dramatic Japanese movie called

Are you comfortable in a male-

if we all had different athletic preparation.

Onna Keirin Oh (Keirin Queen) who leaves

dominated scene?

We rode something like 850 kms on

everything, boyfriend included, to pursue

Needless to say… very much! I grew

different terrains, from asphalt to white

her Keirin dream.

up in male-only environments, my female

roads and uphills and downhills… it has

friends are a very few and they know it.

been a real challenge and I’m amazed

Say hello

Since primary school I used to prefer to

‘cause I thought I couldn’t do it. But I made

To girls who want to get into cycling I can

play soccer or fight with boys and go back

it! To finish your day with 130kms on your

say: look around. Educate yourselves, read

80

Kisses everyone! And keep on, keepin’ on!

81

82

83

84

85

Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO • Pics: DAVE JARANILLA

86

87

First of all who is Bud Abille?

My name is Bud Abille. I am from Long Beach,

Did you see the bike as a revolution to the car?

California. I work here in Los Angeles for SWRVE

The bike is a great alternative to a car. It’s a perfect

cycling. Since I can remember, bikes have

way to avoid all the hassles involved in driving; like

surrounded me all my life. My Dad used to do a

gas, insurance, registration, and the worst thing,

lot of touring across the country, so bicycles were

TRAFFIC. Plus its easy exercise and keeps you

always around the house. I remember he gave me

looking fit.

my first bike (a MTB) one Christmas. We would Big Bear to race. After that it just kept progressing.

Which is you favorite olympic track rider?

From MTB to BMX to ROAD then to TRACK. It

I have been racing on the velodrome for a little

wasn’t until college that I really saw the bicycle as

more than a year but since but since doing so, I

a vital part of living. Instead of driving everywhere,

have looked up to Taylor Phinney. He raced and

I would commute by bicycle and also go on group

trained a lot at our local velodrome in Carson and

rides with friends. The more I started riding, the

now he rides for team BMC. He’s won stages on

more I wanted to go faster, which eventually got me

the grand tour in Europe and I’m excited to see

into racing.

how he will do when he represents the USA in the

ride trails a lot and sometimes he would take me to

2012 Olympics.

At what age you started riding fixed gear bike?

It was about 4 years ago that I first built up my first

Which sponsor endorse you at the moment?

fixed gear bike. We used to have a ride called

I have been thankful to have the support of Engine

Polar Rollers in Long Beach. One night, I saw them

No. 11 (strykerlosangeles.com). The creator, Kevin

fly by the car we were in. It looked so liberating to

Kang, has backed me since the very beginning

just be out riding around town like that. I asked my

when I first started winning races. I also owe a lot

Dad if he could build me something for the street,

to my local shop, Citygrounds. They built my first

and that’s when I got my first road bike. When

set of track wheels years ago and have continually

I finally went out on that ride, I noticed a lot of

been a good group of people to hang out with.

people were skidding and doing backwards circle.

I also ride for T-Level bags and Livery Design

I later found out that they were riding track bikes.

Gruppe (LDG) frames. I am very grateful that all these companies have given me great opportunities thus far and that they are still there in helping me reach my goals in cycling.

88

89

90

91

You are not only a track rider but also a bike messenger, which are the main differences?

keep you motivated. Support your fellow cyclist, because they all have their dreams and goals too.

is a lot of training and strategy that is needed to

I’ve seen that you train yourself a lot, Cykeln always have advise for improve the training of our reader, what to recommend?

prepare, and I think this crosses over into all other

Find a way to keep training fun. Whether that be

types of racing. The last two seasons, I have also

riding with friends or just riding solo. Sometimes

tried my hand at cyclocross and since last year,

even Strava is entertaining. Not all riding has to

I am working on building up my track racing

be seen as training, but it is good to know what

experience at the velodrome.

aspects you need to work on and then forcing

I have become very diversified in the type of riding I do. Starting out racing street has led me into more sanctioned racing on the road. Road has been very helpful in learning how to ride a race. There

yourself to get out there and suffer. I love the quote

Cykeln is an italian magazine, what do you think about Italy?

Italy has to be one of the most beautiful countries.

Greg Lemond once said, “It never gets easier, you just go faster”.

dream that the riding would be just as great. I

Are you planning to come visit us in Italy?

have seen the huge influence that Italy has had on

I would love to come visit you guys in Italy!

cycling history and that has made me admire your

Watching the Giro d’Italia this year has only

country so much more. Campagnolo, Bianchi,

magnified that desire. I can only hope that by

Cinelli, and all those great cycling names have

working hard in my riding and racing it will

always been my favorites. I was also rooting

eventually take me to see places like that. It has

for Italy in the Euro cup this year, only to be

been a dream of mine to race anywhere and

disappointed that you guys lost to Spain.

everywhere possible.

The landscapes look amazing, and I can only

Cykeln Magazine, thank you guys very much for

Do you have any advise for neophytes of the track bike?

allowing me to tell you about myself. I am very

My only advice to beginners is to stay humble. Let

interview. And thank you to you, Mr. Sebastian

your riding speak for itself. There will always be

Ordinas! It wasn’t until I took my first trip to New

someone faster and someone else who wins races.

York to race the Red Hook that I even knew I could

Use that to keep pushing yourself. Find people to

meet such cool people from such far away places.

honored that you guys would consider me for this

You have been an awesome friend and have been 92

BUD ABILE www.facebook.com/bud.abille www.liverydesigngruppe.com/

a great support for me in my cycling! Cheers, Bud 93

94

95

96

97

Interview & Pics by: JASON FINN

98

99

It has been over a year and a half since I meet

questions about Blaq.

Paul and Jeremy from Blaq. We had talked through bags for awhile, but with our schedules it took some

Hey paul, so can you tell us a little about blaq?

time to make it happen. That first day, I showed up

Blaq has just been a project of mine and Jeremy’s

to this large building in the industrial area of town

for the last 5 plus years. It started off when we

and was a little confused. I wasn’t exactly sure if I

were in college I was kind of working on designing

was at the right spot, there was no signs, nothing

parts and apparel and different things and Jeremy

that even said this place was occupied by anyone.

and another friend where working on frames using

I headed up to a door and noticed a little sticker

bamboo; and then carbon fiber and titanium parts

of a bear and knew I was here. I headed in to the

for mountain bike’s. But eventually it turned into

warehouse just to find it empty with doors along its

bags. I started trying to sew different products and

sides to different companies.

sew bags, and yeah its pretty addicting.

I strolling around until a old man that was dragging

Its starting to take off now; we didn’t sell allot of

these large chemical bins started to yell at me

stuff the first few years we where doing it. But we

for walking around, I told him I was here looking

moved out here about 6 months after we started

for Blaq and he yelled at me saying “if you don’t

with a few products and we kept working on the

know where they are then you shouldn’t be here.”

line and the last year and a half we’ve really got

I turned around and noticed another Blaq sticker

everything to where we want it, especially the

on a door and just walked straight toward it and

quality and its really starting to pick up and people

opened it up to see Paul and Jeremy sitting at a

are starting to notice and now we are about to

large table sewing bags. I had arrived. The space

move into a store, so I’m excited to see where it

was small filled with material and two large tables

goes.

emails and Facebook about shooting photos of their

with templates laid out, bike parts filled the corners of the room and bicycle magazine all spread out.

Where did blaq start off at?

Their was a small refrigerator and toaster oven and

It started off when we where all going to Kent

a simple coffee maker.

State. we where all just going to school, then I

You could just tell that these guys spent long days

dropped out and we where working out of a big

here and loved it. Still to this day I get yelled at

house that we where renting; the upstairs was for

by that same old man and that room still looks the

the business. we moved out here(Portland) after

same, and I enjoy every moment I get whenever I

Jeremy finished his PhD. So we where in Kent,

visit. During my last trip down to see the guys, Paul

Ohio for about 3 years and now we’ve been out

and I stepped off to chat and I asked him a few

here(Portland) for two.

100

101

How has moving to portland affected blaq?

we are ready to move out of here.The new place

Its definitely the best move we could have made.

front on Division, and to have an

we probably would have been fine if we stayed

actual store and shop where everything is going

in Ohio but out here we have allot of peers and

to be made in house, so Im looking forward to

allot of friends in the industry so there is allot of

see how it goes and how people will react to it.

going back and forth going on and allot of people

Its going to be a big shift for us, and Im looking

working together and allot of inspiration. There’s

forward to it. We have people coming down here

also allot of shops and allot of the people that

every other day now, and it works, we’ve only had

would be our customers; so its been great! Most

one person complain about it. She came through

of our business was down in california before we

with her kids and she sent me a email afterwards

moved out here but just being out here most of it

asking if we had anywhere nicer to meet at. So

now is in Oregon.

having the nice new store shall be interesting.

You mentioned earlier that you guys are opening a store? can you tell us a little bit about where you guys have been working out of and about this new store?

So do you have any new products in the works?

So we’ve been out here for 2 years and we’ve

stuff like duffle bags and dry sacks and stuff bags,

been out in a big industrial warehouse. The first

especially with the retail store we kind of want to try

year we where just kind of in a big room and just

out different stuff, that might make it to the website

over a year now we’ve actually been in Portland

or not. past that we have a long list of stuff thats

Design works old space. when we first moved into

pretty far out there, but more stuff on the cargo end,

here Ruckus Components(a carbon bike repair

panniers and bike bags and then I really wanna

company) was in here, the girl that I’am now

see where i can go with integrated electronics and

dating was painting bike’s here, Joe Bike was

power systems into the bags in the next few years.

welding stuff out of here, but now their tearing it

There will definitely be some concepts to show in

down and paving it down to make a new parking

the Spring.

will definitely be interesting. To have a real store

Its a pretty long list of things being worked on. Probably a few new backpacks, the flight case, and then another one for bikes with SS couplings,and then probably more general use

lot for the transit center, so everyones moving out of the block and we are one of the last companies in the building. Its just winding down over here and

102

103

104

105

how has the collab with patrick from pedal consumption affected you guys?

check out our website to see where the dealers

Well Its kind of interesting, Patrick has opened

automatically in the next few months but yeah pretty

allot of doors for us, its kind of funny, I sent him a

much you have to email us if you want to get a

bag for a race before we moved out here and he

bag overseas which is fine since we do quite a

ended up insisting to Leader that they work with us,

few of

so we did some business with leader for about 6

those now a days. But eventually we would like to

months. That actually made us think that we could

get more stores or distribution overseas.

have a company and that it could actually work. So

are and for anyone outside of the US we do ship internationally, our website will be setup to do it

yeah we’ve just known him for a long time, and we

Do you want to thank anyone?

did hip pouches with him when we first moved out

I would have to thank everyone. I still cant believe

here, and we’ve been making his stickers forever,

that, shits come together, that people know who we

and he just wanted to do a whole backpack from

are. Whenever I see a bag out in the wild i kind

the ground up. So we talked about it for awhile

of get a little adrenaline rush, it kind of freaks you

and started working on it about a year ago, and I

out but in a good way. Yeah, Just all the people

think it came together really well, he really wanted

that have believed in us, we have allot of people

to push it as far as features and the quality, and

have bought our stuff over the years that have been

he gave me allot of new ideas. It was one of the

repeat customers and have been big fans and have

first bag that we did the zipper pocket, which will

told their friends. So yeah just everyone that knows

definitely play into allot of new stuff that we will do.

of us and believes in us, thanks.

But its been good and since the collaboration allot of people have come to us and we’ve done allot of runs for companies, race teams, sales teams and things like that.

Where is the best place to buy a blaq bag?

Right now, probably still gonna be the website then our store. We are still at the point where its just the two of us filling orders as it comes so we have some shops that sell allot of our pedal straps and accessories and might carry a few bags, you can

106

BLAQ BAGS www.blaqdesign.com

107

Interview: CLAUDIO DI SANTO // Pics: ANGELO CALILAP

108

109

First Of all introduce yourself

get back to that level of riding. As fun as it is to

My name is Angelo Calilap. In no particular order

ride fixed, my shoulder couldn’t and still has trouble

I am a cyclist, blogger, photographer based out of

meeting the demands of the upper body strength

Brooklyn NewYork.

of handling a fixed gear/track bike. I chose the road bike because I learned I enjoy longer rides

What is cycleangelo.cc

and climbing a lot, and it’s the better tool for doing

CYCLEANGELO is a blog I started just for fun, to

those things.

document my new found passion for the bicycle in 2009. It’s a journey about rediscovering NYC on two wheels, and snapping photos along the way.

How much The photography is important in The fixed gear scene?

In which way the bicycle changed Your lifestyle?

I think photography is important in every scene. The

Tough question to answer for sure. Riding bikes

you is something I encourage everyone to do,

was merely a hobby only a few years ago, that’s

regardless of what activity it is.

become a tremendous part of my life today. If it

ability to document and share everything around

ride on some of the most beautiful roads here in the

Some months ago you have release some photos via bigcartel, how do you decide to sell your photographs?

North East. To say that the bicycle has changed my

I began a project called 12-for-12 where I began

life is an understatement.

to release a photograph per month for purchase.

wasn’t for the bicycle, I probably never would have made the decision to quit smoking cigarettes (after 11 years), nor have had the opportunity to visit and

After a few months though, I learned that my time

I’ve seen that After Your incident you train a lot with Your road Bike, why This choice?

I was involved in an accident in August 2011

was really limited and I couldn’t continue with the project. In the future, I plan on possibly releasing a book of my photographic bicycle journey. Stay tuned.

to a broken collarbone, which needed surgery.

Which are The plans for cycleangelo in The near future?

By the time I was able to get back on the bike, all

CYCLEANGELO began as a blog with no real

my friends had ridden hundreds upon hundreds of

agenda, that blew up out of nowhere. After a few

miles and gotten really strong, so my goal was to

years what I’ve learned is that the only thing I love

which kept me off the bike for a few months due

110

111

112

113

more than photographing and blogging about bikes is riding them. I’ve learned a lot since my first bike in 2009, and I plan to continue sharing and documenting my experiences via words and photographs on the blog.

Mavic shoes or Specialized shoes?

Whatever fits your feet best! Personally, I can’t live without a set of Specialized Footbeds (the green ones for my high arches!) in any of my shoes.

Some advices for The neophytes?

It doesn’t matter what type of bike you ride, as long as you absolutely remember to have fun doing it.

Every time you hop on your bike, make a conscious effort to push yourself that much harder, ride that much faster, and explore that much more. The bike is an incredible tool that will teach and show you things you would have never imagined .. so go ride it. Ride fast, ride safe!

ANGELO CALILAP www.cycleangelo.cc/

114

115

Bag’s PT.2

NICOLO’/CORREGGIO/DESIGNER

NICCOLO’/FIRENZE/CYKELN

116

117

Pics: Martina Gastaldi

118

119

120

121

122

123

“ Discovering the Gino Bartali Museum ” 124

By Niccolò Poppi

125

As soon as I leave Gino Bartali’s museum, I need to

characters with a humanistic and sporting high

put my hands on paper and pen to write down my

profile: this is what you gather from Bartali’s cycling

immediate feelings.

museum, where those heroes’ bicycles are placed carefully, to rest for eternity after crossing the

The memories I just witnessed in this museum are

History.

really important for Italy, not only as for what concerns sports: they are a part of our history,

You walk into the main room, and you find yourself

and they leave me with a strong swirl of childish

surrounded by plenty of memories. Andrea shows

emotions.

me a ’34 yellow track bike inside a display cabinet: it was the one Gino used to race with,

Unfortunately, I cannot share any of this with

and it had been customized by Bartali himself, so

someone: nobody is interested in cycling heroes,

to race on track.

and I walk alone in the museum, the click of the shutter the only one with me.

Next to this case, we find a green Legnano that belonged to Giulio, Gino’s younger brother, who

Bartali’s museum came to life in 2002, thanks to the

died in June ’36 because of a car accident. He

will of all the people close to Gino, especially in

followed his brother’s dream, and behind the case

the last years of his life.

there is the Aquila di Ponte at Ema’s shirt, Gino and Giulio’s first team.

Andrea Bresci is the founder of the museum, taking care of it along with volunteers, who are not so

Glancing around, I see another case on the right

young anymore: they have few resources at their

that houses the official racing “Bartali” bike, that

disposal. Nevertheless, they preserve and guard

Gino used in the last years of his career. The

the countless items and memories of the museum.

bike has been built by Celle Ligure’s, “Fratelli Margherita”.

And there really is plenty of material!

We’ve just started with surprises: I turn around, Andrea is the one who greets me: a really helpful

and my heart skips a beat. A raw and dark frame

person, he leads me to the first room, where I found

hosts a white shirt, with rainbow colors still shining.

myself surrounded by vintage bikes that belong to

A washed out card says: “Rainbow-colored shirt

distant places and times.

won by Fausto Coppi in 1947 on Campo dei Principi track, defeating Antonio Bevilacqua, on

The so-called “heroic” cycling can boast about

126

a 5000-meter race with a timing of 6’16’’ and a

127

and models of the time), to any new techniques

47,847 average per hour”.

used during these years to defy speed. I won’t give I get lost, gazing at the most important trophies that

away every detail, though, because I really hope

Gino won during his career, and the amateur and

you will come here in person to enjoy the incredible

professional licenses. When looking at the fees

cycling heritage the museum has.

for the races arranged by the Fascist party, or the specs of the payments for the prizes, it makes me

Andrea Bresci has an appointment with a lawyer:

smile, even though at the time that fees seemed

not every story has an happy ending, and it looks

like a fortune. Andrea tells me a few anecdotes,

like there are strong misunderstandings between the

unknown to most: he is the one who sticked with

museum, and part of Gino Bartali’s family. Stories

him in his last years, as a friend and as a fan. Not

of money and squandering that Andrea confides

all the anecdotes are nice and pleasant, but they

me in a private talk, not to be written down in this

are true.

article.

The doubt still lingers when talking about the

He is really disappointed with what is happening in

legend of the 800 jews that Gino saved. Andrea is

the family, and having been Gino’s fraternal friend,

sure, he saved many people and there is no doubt,

he can’t stand to have to handle such a petty

but the documents they needed where almost three

situation; not every son follows his father’s path...

times the size they are now, and the seat tube was too small to house more than 7 or 8 documents.

In conclusion, you cannot not know the story behind

No matter how many round trips he could do, there

the great man that Gino Bartali was, if you ride

is no way he saved as many visas as legend goes.

fixed bikes and are into the bike culture. Go to the museum, and in the corner of that same street

Bartali never denied nor confirmed this legend, but

you’ll find a door and a plaque to remember the

none of us really cares about the truthfulness of it:

champion’s life. That is the house where Gino

Gino’s heroic deeds made it into history, were the

Bartali was born.

jews saved 800 or 100. Nothing changes the worth and the big heart this man showed, a man who have seen his career being erased by the war.

The tour goes on: vintage press cuttings and iconographical images hang from the walls, setting out the history of cycling from the gear (with bikes

128

GINO BARTALI MUSEUM “Gino Bartali” www.ciclomuseo-bartali.it/web

129

130

131

132

133

Bag s PT.3

STEFANO/GENOVA/FOTOGRAFO

LUCA/bologna/tecnico manutentore

ALEX/MILANO/STUDENTE

NICOLA/sacile pn/PILOTA DI SCRIVANIA

134

135

DECEMBER JANUARY

136