Pantani monument on Mortirolo

The Italian Professional Riders Association (ACCPI) will erect a monument to deceased climber Marco Pantani on the Mortirolo, one of the toughest climbs that is used in the Giro d'Italia. The monument will take the form of a sloping steel platform attached to the wall of one of the most demanding bends of the Mortirolo. A three-dimensional figure of Marco Pantani in racing crouch will sit on top of the platform, looking at his rivals as they come up the mountain.

The monument will be the work of Michele Biz, Alessandro Broggio and Alberto Pasqual, and is the result of a contest promoted by the ACCPI. The winning entry was chosen by ACCPI President, Amedeo Colombo, Felice Gimondi, Gianni Bugno, Claudio Chiappucci, Marino Vigna and members of the Municipality of Mazzo di Valtellina, led by Councillor Bombardieri.

"It wasn't easy to choose: we have looked at eight proposals, every one was very good," said Andrea Colombo. "In the end, the great majority of the jury chose the idea of Biz, Broggio and Pasqual. Now we will try to unveil the monument before May 27, when the Giro will pass over the Mortirolo."

Biz, Broggio and Pasqual aim at "remembering Pantani in a simple and direct way, through the purity of the gesture characterising the Pirata, avoiding any kind of rhetoric."