Photo: © Aldo di Luca

Vai Dani! The Danilo Di Luca Diary

Italian speedster Danilo Di Luca from the Saeco-Longoni Sport Team is one of the sport's most exciting riders. Never afraid to attack and a very confident rider, Di Luca is at home in both hilly classics and bunch finishes. His first diary for Cyclingnews was during the 2002 the Vuelta a España, where he won a stage and had several top finishes. Di Luca will continue his popular diary entries throughout the 2003 season.

Danilo Di Luca's official website - www.danilodiluca.com

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Unforgettable Moments in the Quirinale

February 4, 2003

Hi everybody. For this diary entry, I don't want to talk about cycling, but about an important moment in my life that, thanks to cycling, I have been fortunate enough to be able to write about. To be part of the 2002 Italian National Cycling Team's visit to the Quirinale Palace to recieve an award from the President of Italy, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi was an unforgettable day for me!

I'd have to say that's what came to mind when I set foot in the most important palazzo in Italy!

The 2002 Italian National Cycling Team delegation gathered outside the Italian Olympic Team's offices at the Olympic Stadium complex in Rome. We were then escorted to the Quirinale, where Presidente Ciampi awaited. It was a beautiful day, a day full of emotion. I was there as a person who believes in being patriotic and in my country of Italy, this event brought me a great and special moment of emotion.

The Quirinale Palace was a fascinating place, full of the history of Italy. Each corner was immersed in history, with many beautiful old paintings hanging on the walls. It really struck me how humble our president and his wife were and how much Presidente Ciampi knew about cycling. The most emotional moment was when they made Mario Cipollini a Cavagliere ["knight" - heraldic Ed] of Italy... what a moment!

Sincerely
Danilo Di Luca