"Anyone who truly loves cycling can only thank Gianni Savio."
That's how our first video interview began three years ago with a figure who left an indelible mark on Italian and international cycling. The historic general manager of the prestigious Professional Team Drone Hopper-Androni (which he transformed into a major training ground for young riders) has passed away at the age of 76 after a long illness and a life dedicated to discovering talent. Andrea Tafi, Davide Ballerini, Michele Scarponi, Egan Bernal, Franco Pellizzotti, Andrea Vendrame, and Ivan Ramiro Sosa are just a few of the names "The Prince" Savio identified and nurtured from the beginning of their professional careers.
Gianni Savio leaves behind a legacy as a great cycling enthusiast and a profound connoisseur of the sport, particularly in South America. His expertise opened the doors for him to become the national coach of Colombia and Venezuela. As the coach of the Colombian team, he achieved one of his greatest sporting milestones: Santiago Botero's gold medal in the men's individual time trial at the 2002 UCI Road World Championships, still the only world title in Colombian cycling history.
Anyone who truly loves cycling can only thank Gianni Savio. And at bike-room.com, we want to thank him for his teachings, his kindness, and the passion he dedicated to the world of cycling.
