Age is not a factor for Mario Cipollini, 45-year-old former World Champion is keen to ride the Giro this year
Mario Cipollini, also nicknamed as ‘Super Mario’, resigned from professional cycling in 2005 after filling his bag with numerous victories at the top level of the sport.
Cipollini is turning 45 this month and he still believes that he has enough legs to compete at the international level. Mario has opted to lead Team Farnese Vini-Selle Italia at the Giro d’ Italia 2012.
While commenting on his return with the Italian side, Cipollini mentioned that he would like to use Andrea Guardini as his lead-out man during the race.
Gazzetta dello Sport quoted him as saying, “I want to return to racing to come to the Giro and lead out the sprints for Guardini, I feel good, and what is a good sign is that I feel an extreme desire to work hard”.
The Italian started riding professionally in 1989 with Team Del Tongo and rode with a number of teams throughout his 17 year career.
His last appearance at the top level of the game was back in 2005 with Team Liquigas-Bianchi.
Cipollini achieved a number of victories, including the Tour of Qatar and the Giro della Provincia di Lucca 2005.
He claimed as many as 42 Giro stage victories under his belt, including the three time point’s classifications throughout his career.
The Italian made a comeback in 2008 with Team Rock Racing at the Tour of California and retired again after riding only one race.
While commenting on his current form Mario noted, “I weigh 90kg, 8 more than when I was in top condition, but it’s not excess fat, just muscle, especially in my arms and trunk. My legs are perfect”.
He explained that besides the minor glitches, his overall form is perfect to ride the Italian Grand Tour.
Article 84 of the UCI anti-doping regulations suggests that any cyclist willing to make a comeback after retirement must inform UCI six months in advance.
He should also spend four months on the anti-doping register before making an appearance at the international level.
However, an exception was made in 2009 to facilitate Lance Armstrong at the Tour Down Under.
It will be exciting to witness if UCI will allow Cipollini to represent Team Farnese Vini-Selle at the coming edition of the Giro d’ Italia 2012, while making an exception to article 84.
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