The HIGH-WIRE Artist
On 10 January, 89-year-old Guido Messina, the iconic pursuiter of the 1950s, passed away at home. Born into Sicilian penury in 1931, he’d caught a ferry to the mainland armed only with his bike. He’d settled in Turin, and the rest is history. Messina won Olympic gold and three pursuit World Championships, and in the process become an authentic European superstar. Track cycling mattered a very great deal back then, and Messina was one hell of a track cyclist.
In the fullness of time, Messina became the president of the Piedmontese riders’ association. Each December they would organise one of those interminable Italian lunches, and the best of the local youngsters would be invited up onto the stage. They’d get to shake his hand, and there’d be a well-meaning round of applause from the old champions, the hacks and the men in suits. The kids would get a trophy with their name on it, mum and dad would gush, and there’d be a photo opportunity with the one and only pursuiter capable of beating Fausto Coppi. Everyone a winner.
Italy is an old-fashioned country, and most families here still encourage their kids to do sports. About 10 years ago one of them, a gangly, slightly larruping, sweet-natured boy, clambered up onto the stage. His name was Filippo (‘Pippo’) Ganna, and we were informed that he came from a
