Thursday, May 22, 2008

Daniele Bennati and Me


Haven't heard of Daniele Bennati?

Don't worry. You're in concert with approximately 99.8% of the world's population.

I, on the other hand, am a big fan of Daniele Bennati. And why is that, you ask? Because we ride the same bike.

Well, OK, not exactly the same bike, but I have a damned fine replica of the Cannondale that Bennati and his Team Liquigas buddies ride on the pro cycling tour. And Bennati is having a fine Giro d'Italia, winning his 3rd stage today (more about the Giro on the KCBS/CycleTo.com La Dolce Giro podcast).

So while my shiny new carbon-fiber bike is, well, maybe just a bit over the top visually, right now it looks like a winner's bike. Just like all those baseball caps and basketball jerseys and college-logo T-shirts sports fans love to sport. Just look around. Lots of Kobe jerseys and Red Sox caps and USC T-shirts. Not so many people wearing the Zito jersey these days.

"Showing your colors" is part of being a fan. You either back the home team, or you pick another player or team to adopt. In the case of Daniele Bennati and me, it was sort of an arranged marriage (the bike shop just happened to have only one Cannondale Synapse in my size, and it was the Liquigas livery version).

But by golly, now I'm 100% behind those Liquigas boys. Forza Bennati!

3 comments:

MR said...

Forza Bennati!

I am actually meeting him tomorow here in Philadelphia - He is coming for the Manayunk Race - I will make sure to pass on your blog comment to him - he's a great guy!

I am sure he is going to get a kick out of it.

MR

MR said...

Forza Bennati!

I am actually meeting him tomorow here in Philadelphia - He is coming for the Manayunk Race - I will make sure to pass on your blog comment to him - he's a great guy!

I am sure he is going to get a kick out of it.

MR

Stan Bunger said...

MR--

You'll have to tell Bennati this for me: I have had at least 10 people ride up to me since I got the bike and say, "Cool colors!"

Maybe Bennati has a bigger fan base that I thought...

Stan