Giro Presentation or ‘Remember That Time Adam and I Went To The Italian Embassy?’

So Adam and I went to the Giro d’Italia Gala last night at the Italian Embassy in DC.  It took some work getting there, but we did it and it was pretty much fantastic.  There is so much to write I’m not really sure where to start.  We have a lot to talk about in the up coming podcast, but there are so many little inside things that took place that I can’t help but gush at the whole event.

So if you haven’t seen it already, I got an opportunity to write for VeloNews.com. It’s like my dream is coming true as this opportunity is coming about following my open letter to VeloNews.  Sadly, I don’t think they actually read it, but it looks good on paper…or rather online.  I’d be lying if it didn’t make me feel like I hit the big time.  Seriously.

So in our excitement and to beat the traffic, Adam and I got there early.  The Italian Embassy asked us to leave.  It was an awkward moment coupled with some serious cold.  Getting back in an hour later there was a red carpet, a Giro backdrop, podium girls, a sign in (like in the real races) and a sweet presentation.

My feelings about this event is mixed.  They said it was NOT an announcement, but it was pretty much just that.  The Giro Race Director Angelo Zomegnan did say ’see you in 2012′ so that would only lead me to believe that this thing is going to happen.  The Colnago family was there to hype it up as well.  By all intents and purposes, they said it’s coming.

I have to comment on Mayor Fenty here.  This guy is stoked about bikes.  I realize anyone local knows this, but I can’t imagine a city official that is more dialed into the potential surrounding the sport of cycling, particularly in DC.  His desire to create a greener city through the promotion of clean living and health through cycling is not just forward thinking, but is setting the standard.  At this point I can only hope that I can get together with him and go on a ride and talk cycling.  I can say that I think I saw a twinkle of recognition when I said ‘District Cycling’ to him. One can hope.

I have to point this out.  Adam and I were chillin’ around the Italian cuisine just wall flowering and a guy came up to us.   ‘Aren’t you guys the District Cycling guys?’ I about died.  We’re like pseudo celebs.  Rick proceeds to tell us about being in a fit of insomnia listening to the podcast and getting a kick out of it.  I can’t tell you how much that warms my heart.  I know that sounds trite, but it’s true.

Lastly, I have to apologize.  No awkward moments.  Ok, that’s not completely true.  I met New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari, who is a younger kid. He speaks good english, but there is some awkwardness there, which is more than likely all me.  I don’t follow basketball the way I used to, and admittedly I don’t know who Danilo is.  Luckily I’m a great eavesdropper and I hear who he is.  While the initial part of the presentation is going on, they’ve shut out all press (they changed their minds after the first speaker) and we were stuck in the red carpet area.  Suddenly the 6′10″ Danilo comes around.  I remember the instructions from VeloNews.com to include the need for a general quote from whatever Italian celeb that shows up as part of the hoopla.  Here is my chance.  I go up to Danilo and ask him if I can talk to him.  I can’t pronounce his name, and look like an ass.  What can I do, it’s a talent.  The only real question I have for Danilo is based on his feelings surrounding the Giro.  I literally have nothing else to ask him.  Literally.  So after the initial questions I come out with ’so you live in New York…” and kind of trail off.  I thank him and scoot away quickly.  Classic.

I’m excited to see what happens the Giro in DC.  I will tell you, this is not only story from the event, so stay tuned for more to come!

DC