[CR] Vicini of Cesena

(Example: Racing:Beryl Burton)

Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:26:00 -0700
From: "David Ross" <dlr94306@yahoo.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] Vicini of Cesena


I just finished assembling this bellissima Vicini bicycle. I'm trying to determine its date and model, and I suspect it is past the CR cut-off of 1983. If it is past the magic date, though, you would not know it from examining the frame details. Our generous listmeister has given his blessing for me to post a link to the photo album:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9466770@N03/sets/72157621358943117/ 

I know very little about Vicini frames, some of it gleaned from the bikelist archives. In my research on Vicini I noticed that a few CR members have (or had) Vicini bikes, so I'm hoping the collective wisdom can help me pin it down.

I've also learned a bit about the cycling career of Mario Vicini. But for Gino Bartali, Vicini's exploits might be better remembered. In 1939 he contested the sprint for the finish of Milan San Remo. Being primarily a climber, he finished fifth out of the front group of five. Bartali won that one. But Vicini came in 2 places and 2'25" ahead of Cino Cinelli! Vicini also contested two TdFs, finishing 2nd in '37 (the only rider within shouting distance of Roger Lapebie) and 6th in '38. He won the Italian road championship in '39 and finished 3rd in that year's Giro. In 1940 Vicini, Cinelli and Olmo were teammates on the Bianchi squad.

Vicini started selling racing bicycles 10 years before his retirement from the peleton in 1952, then going full-time in the bike business. The family has continued in the business since Mario's death in 1995.

Dave Ross
Portola Valley, California USA