05 May, 2022

The real Balmamion

Edited by De Marchi

Exactly 50 years ago the “Eagle of the Canavese” won his first Giro d’Italia in a De Marchi jersey. Here’s the real story about his name.

Born in Nole Canavese, near Turin, on January 11, 1940, Franco Balma Mion is one of the too soon forgotten Italian cyclists that emerged after the incredible cycle of Coppi and Bartali, who dominated the scene until about a decade earlier and started the so-called “Golden Age”.

Besides winning two consecutive editions of the Giro d’Italia, something that no Italian cyclist has been able to emulate in over half a century since, “Balmamion”, often referred to also as “the silent champion”, explains that when he was about to turn professional in his early twenties, his entourage suggested him to opt for a longer name, like Girardengo, in order “to become a great rider that wouldn’t have been forgotten”. But the fierce Piemontese dressed in black and white (Carpano’s jersey was recalling Juventus with all the intentions of emulating the football deeds of la vecchia signora) decided otherwise and combined Balma with Mion, but that unfortunately did not stop him to be “obscured from the mists of time”, like said by Herbie Sykes in his beautiful book “The Eagle of the Canavese”.

“They told me that to become a great rider that wouldn’t have been forgotten I needed a long name, like Girardengo, so I fused Balma and Mion into Balmamion.”

Remembered to have conquered the Giro two times in a row without winning a single stage, Balmamion wasn’t among the favorites at the 1962 start, but he survived the dolomites, especially what is widely recognized to have been the hardest challenge ever in the history of the Pink Race, that laid the foundation of his victory in Milan.

On June 2nd the Tappone (this is how long, mountain stages were usually referred to as) was lashed by a snow storm so that the finish was moved to the Rolle Pass and 56 riders were forced to retire due to the incredible cold.

Balmanion then gained instant popularity and was able to repeat itself the following year, getting also very close to winning a third time in 1967, second only to the new rising star of Italian cycling, Felice Gimondi.

The 45th Giro d’Italia started in Milan on May 19th, 1962 and concluded back in Milan on June 9th with a total of 130 riders at the start, of which only 47 made it to the finish. The high number of withdrawals was mainly due to the incredibly bad weather during the 14th stage that was nicknamed “cavalcata dei monti pallidi” (ride of the pale mountains).

“I started to sign Balmamion all together and it was chaos: officially, my daughter is Silvia Balmamion and my son is Mauro Balma Mion!”

Read Also

15 March, 2024

Milan-Sanremo 1951: Louison Bobet and the Bottecchia Ursus jersey

There are days carved in the history of cycling, true milestones. One of these is represented by the 43rd edition of the Milan-Sanremo. The Milan-Sanremo is one of the most prestigious Monument Classics in cycling, renowned for its breathtaking route embracing the scenic beauty of Northwestern Italy. On March 19, 1951, a day of fog and cold unfolds: its not yet 7 in the morning, but there is already a large crowd in the streets of Piazza della Repubblica. It will be 282 kilometers of pure passion, for a race that would see some of the greatest cyclists in the world compete: prominent names include Hugo Koblet, Fiorenzo Magni, Gino Bartali, and Pierre Barbotin.

Read now
27 October, 2023

New Revo Winter Cycling Gloves

Redefine the concept of comfort for your hands with Revo Winter cycling gloves. Crafted in collaboration with Elastic Interface, a leader in ergonomic solutions for cycling, these winter gloves represent the pinnacle of innovation and design excellence, ensuring cyclists unparalleled comfort, superior performance, and an elegant look

Read now
04 October, 2023

Sportwool: Performance and Comfort

When it comes to high-performance cycling apparel, finding the perfect balance between comfort, thermal regulation, and material durability is crucial for athletes. Sportwool, a fabric used in sports apparel, is…

Read now
02 October, 2023

How to Dress for Fall Cycling: Tips for Cyclists of All Levels

Autumn is a spectacular season for cycling enthusiasts, but the changing weather can challenge even the most experienced riders. The crucial question is: How to dress for cycling in the fall? In this article, we will explore the essentials of Fall Cycling Apparel, providing useful tips for cyclists of all levels.

Read now