A memorable day, a 'ride' filled with a thousand emotions that left us breathless.
January 10, 2024 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Polti, with the memorable return to the world of cycling, a sport in which the company has shone as an undisputed protagonist for 17 years.
The splendid milanese setting of the Hotel Principe di Savoia hosted the morning press conference where Team Polti Kometa shared its objectives for 2024, its roster, and its vision. The conference room, filled with media, sports enthusiasts, and industry professionals, transformed into the perfect stage to unveil the team's new direction. Sitting at the speakers' table were champions Ivan Basso and Alberto Contador, Fran Contador, General Manager of the team, Giacomo Pedranzini, CEO of co-title sponsor Kometa, and Francesca Polti, President and CEO of Polti, the team's main sponsor.
Representing the entire team, some of the promising young talents of the Team also took part in the presentation: Davide and Mattia Bais, captain Mirco Maestri, Davide Piganzoli, Matteo Fabbro, and Erik Fetter. Driven by great passion and determined to achieve significant milestones, they professionally answered journalists' questions.
The morning, filled with positivity and cohesion, highlighted Polti's renewed commitment to cycling with an energy and passion that go beyond mere return to competitions.
Francesca Polti delved into the reasons that guided the decision to return to the world of cycling: "The opportunity to return to the world of cycling as the main sponsor was completely unexpected and materialised within a few weeks last July. I gathered with key people from my company and we asked ourselves, 'Why shouldn't we do it?' We found no reasons against it. We discovered a shared set of values between Polti, the Team, and the sport of cycling: steam, the heart of our company, makes you feel good, and physical activity and cycling make you feel good. Goals are not achieved unless everyone works together as a group, just as in cycling, a sport known for sacrifice, dedication, and strong teamwork. Lastly, but not least, the countries where we will race coincide with our growth objectives. Polti is a company that over the years has transformed itself, renewing both in terms of products and technology while maintaining its values and vision intact. Sponsoring a cycling team allows us to connect with millions of people, united by passion, just like us at Polti." Towards the end of her speech, Francesca Polti quoted a phrase from Franco Polti: "During a moment of discussion, my father said to Ivan and me, 'Has anyone already called you crazy? Yes? Well, then you're on the right track!' And so we became the only Italian company currently investing in cycling."
In the late afternoon, an extraordinary event took place: more than 150 guests involved in the encounter between legends of the past and the future of cycling. A special moment in which a deep bond was created between the past and the present, celebrating cycling in its most fascinating form. The stories of great names from the past intertwined with the present, giving life to a rich narrative of anecdotes and unforgettable memories linked to this extraordinary sport.
Pier Augusto Stagi, director of Tuttobiciweb.it, stood out for his impeccable role as presenter, with an excellent combination of humour and deep knowledge of the cycling world. He conducted the evening like a skillful orchestra conductor, giving the right space to all the protagonists who took the stage.
The evening began by immediately warming the hearts of the attendees with a spine-chilling video, capable of reliving the epic victories of Team Polti in a gripping manner. At that moment, the past merged with the present, also highlighting the promising new talents of Team Polti Kometa.
Franco Polti was the first to take the floor, narrating with a stage presence that captivated the audience, the magnificent cycling adventure that marked many years of his life. Joining him on stage was Gianluigi Stanga, former sports director of the Polti team from the 1990s/2000s, who brought with him a suitcase full of memories and anecdotes from a glorious era. Completing the scene were six cyclists from Team Polti, remembered by all as authentic cycling legends: Gianni Bugno, Mauro Gianetti, Giuseppe Guerini, Fabrizio Guidi, Ivan Gotti, Mirko Celestino, and not forgetting the video message from Richard Virenque and the tribute in honour of Davide Rebellin.
Their faces, marked by the wind of the roads traveled and the victories achieved, conveyed a passion without boundaries, made of sacrifices on two wheels. And so, on stage, a palette of emotions, authenticity, charisma, and humility was painted. The audience then greeted with thunderous applause the entrance of Miguel Indurain, Francesco Moser, and Claudio Chiappucci, a resounding embrace that testified to the greatness of these legendary cyclists.
Cycling, with its epic history of legends and victories, is not just a journey into the past, it is also a vibrant present, composed of young hopes that will shape the future. Thus, the evening gave space to the new Team Polti Kometa, shining the spotlight on Ivan Basso, Alberto Contador, Giacomo Pedranzini, CEO of Kometa, and Francesca Polti, President and CEO of Polti, as well as the young athletes: Davide Bais, Mattia Bais, Mirco Maestri, Davide Piganzoli, Matteo Fabbro, and Erik Fetter.
Daniele Bennati, coach of the national cycling team, also intervened, conveying a message full of positivity to the Team's athletes.
To close the curtain on this evocative evening, the passing of the baton between Franco and Francesca Polti, the exchange of the new Team Polti Kometa jersey and the historic jersey of the Polti team. The emotions were amplified by the words of Francesca Polti, who read a quote from Adriano Olivetti, an invitation to reflect on the nature of dreams.
The stage was illuminated with hope, making Polti's return a hymn to daring to transform dreams into something infinitely greater.
The customary selfies capturing unforgettable moments, the warmth of genuine hugs, and contagious laughter marked the end of a memorable January 10th.
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