Cycling and international Panathlon mourn the passing of Vittorio Adorni, a great protagonist of a human and sporting event that has profoundly affected these two worlds. He was 85 years old.
The commitment that involved him most on 'stationary wheels' was in Panathlon International, the service club of sportsmen and women in the world, in which he held the position of international president for eight years, from 1996 to 2004. His charisma as a champion and as an executive made the movement grow in number of members and in consideration by the International Olympic Committee.
In the sport of cycling, he leaves behind the example of an authentic and gentle champion, a professional from 1961 to 1970, capable of conquering the highest goals, such as the Giro d'Italia in 1965 and the world champion's rainbow jersey in 1968, and remaining profoundly modest. He was also a successful sports director of champions like Eddy Merckx and then an intelligent television commentator alongside Sergio Zavoli and presenter of a popular television programme with artist Liana Orfei.
He was also involved in cycling as a representative of the professional sector within the International Cycling Union. He was also involved in politics as municipal councillor for sport in his city Parma.
Everywhere he left the imprint of a passionate presence and a capacity for serene, objective and positive analysis of sporting or political events, with deep respect for people and truth.