We have come a long way
Discussions about the ‘made in Italy’ brand have been raging for years, today more than ever. Ernesto Colnago, and his brand, fit perfectly in such a context.
It is true: there is a side of Italy that is achieving great deeds, that grows and gains worldwide importance, that is bearer of the good name of the Italian entrepreneurship. What moves it? Strong ideas, passion and the belief that the only way to succeed is through quality products that combine both technology and innovation. And the entrepreneur’s personality. Ernesto Colnago’s is strong, active and with the typical Italian flavour. His brand can only gain strength for it.
Colnago bicycles have left an
enduring mark on the history
of a sport that is renowned
for the passion that permeates
it. A journey that starts way
back in time, an adventure with
plenty of victories.
Unforgettable cyclists, whose names Italians - and others - still hold dear, raced on Colnago bicycles. Fiorenzo Magni and Gastone Nencini in the 50s, when a young Colnago was learning the secrets of a winning bike by racing, and winning, himself.
In the 60s with Gianni Motta, Vittorio Adorni, Dancelli e Rudy Altig. The great Eddie Merckx ruled in the 70s: it was 1972 when Ernesto Colnago, introducing new materials, built the lightest and technologically most advanced bicycle ever seen at the time. On that bike Merckx would set the one hour record in Mexico City on 25 October. And more victories, with Baronchelli and Bitossi.
The 80s were defined by Giuseppe Saronni, once again on Colnago bicycles. More trophies came in the 90s: in 1994 Tony Rominger set the one hour record at 55.291 kilometres. Continually searching for new solutions has kept the tradition going: new materials and the latest production technologies.
In the year 2000 a collaboration with Enzo Ferrari brings to life the CF1 Limited Edition bicycle, completely carbon built. A long line of success, from the old days up to today’s Oscar Freire and Rabobank.
This is an Italian story. But it is not history. You can still relive it in every single bicycle that Colnago builds and sells all over the world. Bikes born to race and to win. Moved not only by legs and pedals, but by heart and brain.