It's no secret to anyone. Vincenzo Nibali is a legend born from his great victories. One Tour de France, two Giro d’Italia, a Vuelta a España, a Milano-Sanremo, two Giro di Lombardia, two Italian Championships, two Tirreno-Adriatico and seven podiums in three Grand Tours. In addition to tens and tens of wins on every professional cycling road.
The Giro di Lombardia 2022 will be his last race as a professional, thus ending a season in which, once again, he was able to excite the fans during the 2022 Giro d’Italia.
“I was there on Passo Fedaia. Everyone was cheering like crazy for the best. But then, suddenly, I heard an incredible ovation, a hundred times louder than the others. And, in the distance, Vincenzo Nibali appeared”.
During his last 257 kilometres as a professional, Vincenzo will ride surrounded by the well-deserved roars of celebration at the Chapel of Madonna del Ghisallo and twice on Colle del San Fermo, carrying with him all the greatness that he has represented in competitive cycling.
“Of course, I'm aware that the Giro di Lombardia 2022 is my last race. Nevertheless, the only thing I'm concerned about right now is being in the best condition to honour - as you should - a classic Monument race. But there's no denying that I'm also thinking about the day after. I know that I'll be passing over the Ghisallo for the last time and I can even see the last look I'll be giving to my bike when I cross the finish line in Como. My last bike as a professional racer”.
And Wilier Triestina could not let these 257 km go by without manifesting the immense thanks of those who love this sport.
The bespoke paintwork of the Wilier 0 SLR created especially for the occasion features all the colours and numbers of his career: blue, which is the colour of the endless affection of his fan club in Messina; yellow, like the coveted jersey that everyone - since the 1919 edition of the Tour de France - longs to wear; pink and red, symbols of the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. If you look closely, you will even be able to see the many stars, one for each day that Vincenzo has worn the symbol of the title in the Grand Tours.
A bike that is a true celebration for someone who has represented so much for so many cycling fans.
Andrea Gastaldello, President of Wilier Triestina: “We simply couldn't miss this occasion to recognise how important Vincenzo has been for cycling. A bicycle manufacturer’s job is undoubtedly technical. But as technical as it may be, the feelings of those who dedicate themselves to a project always shine through. Which is why, we – every single one of us at Wilier Triestina – have decided to pay tribute to Vincenzo Nibali with a special paintwork that would represent not just a successful career, but also our sense of gratitude for giving us so many thrills along the way. The Wilier 0 SLR that he will be riding for his last Giro di Lombardia is unique and our greatest show of appreciation, expressed through what we do best: making bikes”.