"Ride your bike, have fun, chase a dream because maybe sometimes the dream comes true!".

To remember Michele Scarponi exactly five years after his death, which took place on 22 April 2017 at the age of 37 in a tragic road accident in Filottrano , let's start with his words. From a simple sentence that describes the man and the runner. His passion for two wheels, his light-hearted lifestyle and the words addressed to the youngest: "Never give up".

In recent years we have had confirmation, speaking with friends and professionals, of what we had always imagined: Michele was loved by everyone, respected by teammates and opponents. Cheerful and disruptive even when the legs did not turn and the condition was slow to arrive. Michele has always known how to wait for the right moment to savor the taste of victory and, above all, to help those around him win.

Team man with a ready joke, with his unmistakable Marche accent, he made us enjoy and enthuse on the roads of the Giro d'Italia, his favorite race, won in 2011. And then the work for the captain and friend Vincenzo Nibali , with the Sicilian first in the Tour de France 2014 and in the pink race of 2016. Michele was always at his side, faithful squire of two triumphal rides that will remain in the history of cycling.

Michele started riding a bike from an early age, thanks to his parents' gift for his first communion: a brand new Bianchi. He had already decided that his life would be cycling, made up of effort and sacrifices. It was like that until the last day. We like to think that he is still climbing his beloved mountains and that, amidst jokes, smiles and shouts of encouragement, he has fun with many other cyclists who are no longer with us.

To carry on the path taken by Michele is thinking about it his family. His brother Marco has created a foundation that creates and finances projects that have as their goal the education of correct road behavior and a culture of respect for the rules and the other . We at Fantacycling have made our small contribution to the cause with immense pleasure.

Let's cultivate together the idea of a safe cycling open to all. For everyone to pursue their own dream. Meanwhile Michele is here, in front of us. And ride the hills of a better future, where no one will die on the road anymore.

Hi Michele