Caraci, lonely arrival in Mezzana Rabattone Still 19 victories and will reach one thousand

MEZZANA RABATTONE

Again Placido Caraci, the “cannibal” of Italian cyclists. In the fifth stage of the Giro della Lomellina with departures and arrivals in Mezzana Rabattone, the 63-year-old supergentleman from Zibido San Giacomo, a fabric merchant, achieved his 981st absolute career success, a partial record only since the next goal (never anyone in Italy has won a lot between amateur and amateur races) are the thousand victories. «There are only 19 missing – observes Caraci – a number within my reach. Quota one thousand I would have perhaps already reached it if there hadn’t been a stop for Covid. Now I have started to reap victories and placings. In my category it runs up to 75 years. The milestone of a thousand victories is potentially attainable, if not this season, at least in 2023 ».

Caraci has been cycling since he was 16: his career as an amateur in the Milanese club Azzini was good. Then the work as a textile representative without ever abandoning the beloved racing bike. Hence his ride in the various amateur categories with the Zibido team. His golden year was 1996, marked by 48 victories; then various titles including world gentleman ilo. In Mezzana Rabattone his last, yet another show: the “Cannibal” also beat the heat with a two-way escape and then with the final thrust that earned him the solo victory.

Among the amateurs, in the meantime, another confirmation for the under-23 Andrea D’Amato of Stradella, promise of the Carnovali Rime Sias team. Returning to racing after a series of physical problems, D’Amato achieved a good third post at the Trofeo Rancilio and 24 hours later he was again on the podium in Gamellara in the Vicenza area. After animating the breakaway of the day, he conserved the energy for a sprint as a protagonist. –

PAOLO CALVI