Paolino Parzani from Adro. A man, his passion, a story to tell.
Volti Franciacortini.
The encounter.
“Hello, is this the Parzani residence? May I speak with Mr. Paolino?” That’s how the story of my first encounter began—with the first face of Franciacortino. A man from another time, still pedaling today, driven by a passion for cycling and a desire to pass down his values and ideals. I had heard about him from my sister and brother-in-law, who had met him while crossing Passo Tre Termini in Polaveno. They were deeply struck by his athletic presence—and his bicycle. Later, I read articles about his feats, especially the one from 2011, when at the age of 72, he rode from Adro to Strasbourg and back—a 1,400 km journey—to raise awareness in the European Parliament about the pollution of the Oglio River between Capriolo and Palazzolo. Paolino Parzani listened to my project and generously welcomed me into his home, eager to share his story.
Encounter date: Monday, June 30, 2025
The man, the passion, the story.
His dining room is a large space with walls full of history. Dozens of framed photographs tell the story of his life, his family, and his passion for cycling—dating back to his preschool years. Born in 1939, he was already pedaling his father's bicycle at age five, without the need for training wheels. One photo shows him at nine years old, riding a women’s bike with a giant wicker basket strapped to his back. In summer, he worked as an errand boy for a local bakery: from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., he baked bread, and then set off to deliver it—riding 30 km daily through neighboring villages. The women’s bike allowed him to get on and off more easily, and the saddle was tilted forward to help support the weight of the basket. Talking about his years as a racer, Mr. Paolino said:
“My specialty was power in uphill sprints and breakaways. When I broke my leg, I was already qualified for the track championships, for the flying kilometer event. That strength came from carrying that basket, it toughened me up.”
Mr. Parzani was runner from 1954 to 1958:
“I started as a rookie and made it to the juniors.. I competed in national championships, two road races and two team time trials. The bike I used is the same model Bartali rode in his last Giro d’Italia, a Legnano.”
Here, in fact, his bike: a Legnano 1954, much more than a simple means of transport. A faithful companion of adventures, always remained with him, even when he had to interrupt the sporting activity, to help in the family business and, later, her own as a hauler. In that period, in fact, continued to ride on the weekends. Why is a passion, as his never-ending.
Paolino Parzani, who nearly turned pro in his youth, became well-known later in life for his impressive cycling challenges.
Mayor of Adro for three terms, from 1980 to 2004, he has always used his cycling feats to send a message.
Just as he did in 2011, riding 1,400 kilometers to draw attention to the presence of heavy metals along the Oglio River’s banks and riverbed
In a local Teletutto interview, he shared how he was helped at a difficult moment on that trip by an Italian living in France:
“I must say, Italians abroad really do us proud. Unfortunately, Italians here can be different. But there are good people here, too, and hard workers. I hope this experience helps bring attention back to this country I care so deeply about.”
On February 3rd, 2021, Paolino Parzani rode up the snow-covered Tonale Pass in protest against the decision of Adro’s city council to reject honorary citizenship for Senator for Life Liliana Segre, a motion proposed by the local ANPI chapter.
To face that icy climb, he personally adapted car snow chains to fit his bike tires. A gesture both symbolic and practical—very much in his style.
Son of a partisan father and grandson of a soldier imprisoned for refusing to join the Republic of Salò, Parzani is committed to preserving historical memory:
"With the change of the city council, the PNA has again proposed the conferment of honorary citizenship to the senator Segre asking for the revocation of citizenship to that of Mussolini. Also, these requests have not been accepted is what I disappoint a lot."*
That’s why this year, Paolino Parzani set himself two special goals: On September 10th, Senator Segre’s birthday, he will climb Passo dello Spluga. The next day, he’ll celebrate his 86th birthday on Passo del Foscagno, after reaching it on his beloved Legnano. Together, these alpine climbs total nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain.
Achievements like these don’t happen without training. Mr. Paolino rides twice a week, covering about 100 kilometers.
When I ask him what his favorite street in Franciacorta, he responds without hesitation:
«the route is always the same for me. By Adro to Pilzone – sometimes continuing even further – passing by Cortefranca to the church of Timoline, and then from there take via Stazione to Provaglio d'Iseo. From there it descends from the monastery up to the lake."
In spring, he shifts to mountain prep: from Iseo he climbs toward Polaveno, then up to Passo Tre Termini—an 8.4 km climb with an average grade of 6.6%, and segments up to 10%.With the arrival of spring, however, the preparation is more targeted to the mountains: from Iseo take the road that leads to Polaveno and goes back up to Step Three Terms. An ascent of 8.4 kilometers with an average gradient of 6.6%, but with traits that come to 10%
His only concern is the traffic, which in recent years has increased significantly, making it feel at times that is not safe.
When she confesses this, I take the opportunity to question him about a theme that is close to my heart and that I want to convey with this editorial project: respect.
"Now I go out alone, why go out in groups makes me afraid. I am afraid that my reflexes are not more than once, and I do not feel safe."
Then add from a true expert of the road:
"It happens to meet cyclists in training on our roads. If it is the case, they always proceed in a row: they are side-by-side for only a few seconds, when you give the change at the head of the group. What is the correct way of riding a bike. Those with little experience, however, often traveling in a file by two, sometimes even three. Not good. It is a matter of discipline. Bad habits, once formed, are difficult to break"
At this juncture, it emerges clearly a constant focus on safety and an idea of respect intended, first of all, as the value to apply to themselves, before to expect from the other. The principle is simple but powerful: if everyone were to adopt really, the streets of the Franciacorta would be not only safer, but also more beautiful to live in.even before a claim by the other.
* Monday, July 7, 2025, a week after my meeting with Pauline Parzani, the municipal council of Adro has revoked the citizenship of Benito Mussolini.
Claudio Pelucco
Founder of Franciacortino
I explore Franciacorta by bike, pedaling slowly through stories, roads, and details.
