Showing off the goods

Image 1 of 11

Rochelle outside the motorhome(Image credit: Rochelle Gilmore)

Index to all entries

Safi Pasta Zara Manhattan women’s professional cycling team was officially launched in Montebelluna, Treviso, Italy on April 8. The launch was a huge success with a surprising number of national and international media present. The sponsor’s representatives had a great day and were extremely impressed by the professional manner in which the team was presented. The day started off with an introduction of the riders and staff; SAFI is once again made up of riders from all over the world - listed below:

The president of the team is Maurizio Fabretto who started it 11 years ago with eight victories in the teams' first year. The number of victories increased each year and peaked with 85 wins in 1999! The commitment Maurizio has made to women’s cycling is possibly the most impressive we will ever see from any individual. SAFI Pasta Zara Manhattan has been known under many different names including Acca Due’O for a long time. Sponsors come and go, the name of the team changes but the organisation continues!

After lunch and some socialising, we (the girls) had a brief moment to relax in our new motorhome before it was back to work. Off with the casual kit and back into the work clothes (cycling apparel) for a photo shoot out on the road. We were all very motivated to see how our new bikes felt; I was a little worried that the Opera wasn’t going to match the comfort and feeling of my Paris, but I was overwhelmed - the Opera is beautiful!