27th Edition – Vincenzo Torriani International Award
‘For those who love cycling and bring it to life’
Friday, October 10, 2025 – Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum, Magreglio
A special Lombardia Eve, with over 200 people gathered at the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum to celebrate the 27th edition of the Vincenzo Torriani International Award, dedicated to “Those who love cycling and keep it alive.”
Established in 1998 thanks to the initiative of then Gazzetta dello Sport director Candido Cannavò, Torriani’s children Gianni, Marco and Milly, and Aldo De Martino, the award continues to be a meaningful moment of reunion and remembrance—bringing together key figures and guardians of cycling’s great history.
As tradition dictates, the ceremony took place on the eve of the Giro di Lombardia, in the symbolic setting of Ghisallo, attended by sports authorities, journalists, former riders, and passionate fans.
Alessandro Brambilla hosted the event, with Giada Borgato—former cyclist and RAI commentator—serving as honorary guest. Among the attendees were Andrea De Luca, Deputy Director of RaiSport, and renowned cycling historian and author Beppe Conti, among others.
Carola Gentilini, Director of the Ghisallo Museum, said:
“It was an intense and well-attended eve of the Giro di Lombardia, which brings us great satisfaction and enthusiasm as we approach the end of the 2025 museum season. Our thoughts are already on next year, which will be special as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Museum.”
The Ghisallo Museum remains open until November 1, 2025, and will reopen on March 1, 2026.
2025 Award Recipients
Nicole Cooke, Olympic and World Champion in 2008, received the Vincenzo Torriani International Award for her extraordinary career and for her civic and sporting commitment to promoting ethical and inclusive cycling.
Alessandro Ballan, winner of the 2007 Tour of Flanders and 2008 World Champion in Varese, was honored for his determination and the exemplary nature of his career—symbol of a generous and passionate approach to cycling.
Fausto Pinarello, heir to a dynasty that helped shape the technical and entrepreneurial history of cycling, was awarded for his ability to innovate and bring Italian design and technology excellence in cycling to the global stage.
The “Silver Heart” Award of the Aldo and Emilio De Martino Association was given to Dr. Enrico Fagnani, audiologist at Milan’s Policlinico Hospital and long-time contributor to Gazzetta dello Sport, RAI, and the Italian Cycling Federation—a life dedicated to science and to telling the story of cycling.
Lastly, the “Olympic Spirit” Award, promoted by the CONI Lombardy Regional Committee, was presented to Carlo Beretta, founder of SWATT Club, for successfully combining science, passion, and sports culture into an innovative model for cycling training and development.
The Value of Tradition
Since 2008, the award has been accompanied by the iconic bronze statues created by sculptor Domenico Greco, depicting a cyclist climbing uphill—a symbol of effort and determination, which represent the very essence of cycling.
The 2025 edition, held under the patronage of the Municipalities of Magreglio and Bellagio, CONI Lombardy Regional Committee, Lombardy Cycling Federation, and the Professional Cycling League, was supported by Fondazione Comasca and Trafilspec-ITS. This backing reaffirms the shared value of an award that unites memory, passion, and the future.
As every year, the event paid tribute to Vincenzo Torriani, the legendary director of the Giro d’Italia, a man who gave cycling the epic dimension that still defines it today.
This is the statement by Marco Riva, President of CONI Lombardia and member of the Regional Council:
“Being at the Ghisallo Museum for the Vincenzo Torriani International Award means celebrating not just cycling, but a profound part of our sporting and cultural identity. Through this award, the Torriani family continues to pass on the values of a sport that unites, educates, and tells the story of life through struggle and passion. As CONI Lombardia, we are proud to present the ‘Olympic Spirit’ Award to Carlo Beretta, a true example of how Olympic values—respect, friendship, and fair play—can live on every day in sport and in the community. The ‘Olympic spirit’ reminds us that in sport, as in life, it’s not only about winning, but about inspiring others and building a better future together.”
