Roberto Pelliconi

Roberto Pelliconi was born in Imola on 14 November, the same day and month as cycling champions Vittorio Adorni, Bernard Hinault, and Vincenzo Nibali. After competing as a youth Pelliconi moved on to senior amateur competition, eventually winning 34 races

In 1984 Pelliconi won the Colecchi Cup, the year after the Nastro d’Oro, and won the Italian national road race title. In 1986-87 he won three races and, the following year, he won the Ciuffenna Cup, the Giro del Montalbano, and the Montanarino Grand Prix, and defended his Italian Championship. He earned a call-up for the 1988 Seoul Olympics where he was the best of the Italian road cyclists, finishing seventh in the sprint for the bronze medal.

Known affectionately as “Il Pellico”, Pelliconi turned pro in 1989 with the Polli team. In 1990-91 he raced for Amore & Vita squad and in Camaiore he almost won the 1990 Italian title. In 1991 he won a stage at the Sun Tour in Australia, while the following year he moved to Mercatone Uno. Pelliconi competed in five Giros d’Italia (90th in 1996 his best result) and three Vueltas a Espana. After retiring from competition in 1996, Pelliconi was an employee of Ivano Fanini at Amore & Vita team for 11 years.