Agostino Omini

Agostino Omini was one of eight sons, born in Milano. He was a fan of cycling from an early age and went on to hold many positions in the cycling world in both Italy and internationally. He started as president of the Milano Simonetta team in 1950 and, from 1952, served on the executive board of the Lombardy regional cycling committee, and became its president in 1973. He became head of operations for the U.S. Mozzatese team in 1954.

Having been in contact with Adriano Rodoni, the president of the Italian and World Federation of Cycling, Omini’s managerial and administrative skills were noted and, in 1962, he was involved with the World Championships at Salò, Italy. Omini was elected vice-president of the Italian Association of Professional Cycling (UCIP) in 1968, and was supervisor of the organising group for the 1976 World Championships at Ostuni and Monteroni (both in Italy). The following year, Omini was made a vice-president of the International Federation of Professional Cycling (FICP), which was later taken over by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Thanks to the support for him from Italian teams, Omini took over the presidency of the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) in 1981 and between then and 1995, in the post-RodonI era, the FCI went through a transitionary period. Under Omini’s tenure, he was involved in the organisation of the 1985 World Championships at Montello and Bassano del Grappa, and was also responsible for the organisation of the Six Days of Milano race.

Omini was a member of the Italian Olympic Committee from 1985-88, and in 1993 became vice-president of the UCI. Towards the end of his Italian cycling involvement, the UCI named him president of the supervisory committee for the 1996 World Championships. He was also involved with the 1999 and 2004 Worlds at Verona. In April 2000, Omini was awarded the Olympic Order (silver) by president Samaranch of the IOC.