August 29/08 5:45 am - Tour di Via Italia Turns 50

Posted by Editor on 08/29/08
 

Tour di Via Italia Turns 50 - Windsor, Ontario

August 31st, 2008

Fifty years. A golden anniversary.

This coming Labour Day weekend, 2008 will mark the fiftieth year for the Tour di Via Italia in Windsor, Ontario. Such longevity is a milestone for anyone and certainly for any sporting event.

The first organizers of that street race in 1958 set the stage for North America's glimpse at this exciting sport. Who could have predicted that, in time, this continent would produce Tour de France winners such as Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong as well as countless other Olympic and World Champions.

Only twice in the history of the Via Italia race have Windsorites won the street race: Aldo Sfalcin raised his hands in victory 43 years ago and Daniele De Franceschi did the same in 2006.

Since the inception of the Via Italia race, hundreds of cyclists have come to Windsor for this exciting criterium. Frankie Andreau, for instance, a nine time Tour de France competitor and Armstrong's teammate, has raced the pro event for years, and plans to help with commentary this year.

Join us in celebrating this anniversary.

For more information, go to the Tour di Via Italia website ( www.tourdiviaitalia.com ) or contact Michelle Sfalcin at msfalcin@gmail.com or Aldo Sfalcin at asfalcin@cogeco.ca