Cycling champion Vincenzo Nibali recently paid a visit to the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy for a flying visit to the Ferrari Maranello plant
The Messina born Vincenzo Nibali is considered to be one of the world’s strongest stage race riders and has backed this up with wins at the 2010 Vuelta a España, the 2013 Giro d’Italia, and the 2014 Tour de France, making him one of six cyclists who have won the three Grand Tours in their career
During his visit to Maranello, Vincenzo toured the assembly lines for both the 8 and 12 cylinder cars and stopped to chat with the workers, many of which were cycling fans as they had no problem recognising him. We haven’t been able to ascertain if Vincenzo rode his bike to Maranello, but based on his casual non-cycling attire, it is safe to assume that on this occasion he opted for engine power rather than leg power!
“I felt huge affection from the people around me and I was delighted with that. It was my first time in Maranello and what struck me was the company’s perfect blend of technology and perfection, and the heart and passion of the people working there. That perfect mix produces unique cars that have made Ferrari a legend all over the world”.
No visit to Maranello would be complete without a spin in one of the brands renowned cars. Vincenzo was offered a spin in the F12tdf and was thrilled by the experience: “This special series is incredible. Its lines were sculpted by the wind and the engine is astonishingly powerful. And, of course, its name would find a place in any cyclist’s heart….”
During his tour, Vincenzo also managed to take a good look at some of the other Ferrari models in the factory including the GTC4 Lusso, the Ferrari four-seater, four-wheel drive grand tourer recently unveiled at the Geneva Show.
“There’s a genuinely huge amount of space in the boot. I might even get my bike in there!” he laughed in amazement.
The Sicilian champion then moved on to the Classiche department and his visit ended with a stroll through the F1 Clienti cars.
“I have never seen so many Ferrari Formula 1 single-seaters together in one place! It was wonderful to actually be able to touch the cars that made motorsport history and delivered such excitement, just as we’re all hoping the Scuderia will do this year. I don’t have much time to watch the races live but I always keep abreast of how things are going. I’ve always been a huge car fan – and of track driving!”
So could a four-wheeled future be in the offing for Nibali? “Who knows? I’d like it to happen but I still have many more cycling seasons to go and more short-term projects coming up – like the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August!”