Last week we asked Gianni Savio to sing a song for our upcoming #OurGiro podcasts. Him: "Ach, no, I'm tone-deaf." Then on Saturday, 🇮🇹Liberation Day, Gianni admitted there was one thing he would sing: Bella Ciao, the Liberation anthem. So he & his wife did. For us. And you.
The cycling world mourns on New Year's Eve the passing of beloved discoverer Bernal: "Bella Ciao!"
CyclingWednesday, 01 January 2025 at 16:48
Gianni Savio passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, at 76. The Italian was an incredibly beloved man in cycling, in which he left his legacy as team manager. The discoverer of Egan Bernal, among others, he was known as a world-class scout of South American talent. After a long and lingering illness, he now rests in peace.
"Gianni, we already miss you," wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport on New Year's Eve. "He was a respected manager, first and foremost for his extraordinary humanity but also his flair, skill, and love. He discovered the winner of the Tour de France (2019) and Giro d'Italia (2021)."
Social media also received unprecedented kind messages, especially from Savio's family. "Rest in peace, my gray friend," wrote Patrick Lefevere on X. Or Daniele Bennati: "Gianni, prince... May the Earth shine a light on you. Thank you for all you have brought across through your training and charisma."
The most beautiful video, however, comes from The Cycling Podcast, created by journalist Daniel Friebe and others. "Just last week, we asked Gianni to sing a song for our upcoming Giro podcast, but he said he was tone-deaf. On Saturday, on Freedom Day in Italy, he agreed and sang 'Bella Ciao,' the freedom song. His wife and he did it for us and you."
📷 This is one of my all time favorite cycling pics (Androni). Gianni Savio and Egan Bernal at 2019 Tour de France. Ciao Gianni!
Desperately sad to say that my friend Gianni Savio has passed away. There’s a lot to add - about his remarkable career, the riders he launched towards greatness, the laughs he & I shared over 20 years & hundreds of chats - but for now my thoughts are with his wife & daughters.
Shine on you crazy diamond 🖤
He said it about Egan in 2017 and he was right. He was so important person for many cyclists. Rest in peace Gianni Savio.
Ciao Gianni Ciao Principe, che la terra ti sia lieve. Grazie per quello che riuscivi a trasmettere attraverso la tua educazione e carisma. 🙏🏼 #giannisavio
Riposa in pace caro Gianni 🖤
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Latest Comments
- This was very informative! Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreiraluizantonioduarteferreira02-01-2025
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024