STEFANO CECINI 'EVERESTS' THE MORTIROLO

History remembers firsts. For those who aren’t familiar with the term: To ‘Everest' means picking a climb, ascend, and repeat until reaching 8,848 meters(the height of Mt. Everest). This was the goal of Italian Stefano Cecini on Sunday.

History remembers firsts. For those who aren’t familiar with the term: To ‘Everest' means picking a climb, ascend, and repeat until reaching 8,848 meters(the height of Mt. Everest). This was the goal of Italian Stefano Cecini. Who aimed to etch his name in the digital history books by ‘Everesting’ the mighty Mortirolo. 22 hours 27 minutes and 39 seconds. That’s how long the insane attempt by Stefano Cecini lasted covering 9,983 meters of ascent, decidedly surpassing the initial goal of 8,848 meters. Cecini's ride started at dawn on Saturday morning and concluded Sunday at 3:53am where he was greeted by a trove of fans in Piazza Santo Stefano di Mazzo.

Around the time Cecini had completed the 5th climb, news arrived the chilled fans and staff. According to the information from the GPS mounted on Cecini's bicycle the estimated projection to complete the 8,848 m. of ascent in 7 climbs was short by about 100 meters. At that point Cecini gave another one of the big smiles that accompanied him throughout the day decided to make the last climb, the 8th and unplanned, departing after midnight accompanied by 20 people including the mayor of Mazzo Franco Saligari.

“My legs, my heart and my head got me though - was his first comment as Cecini fell from the saddle at 3:53 am - My thoughts go to my father, my number one fan, guiding me from above, my girlfriend Simona, to my 3 wonderful children Andrea, Matteo and Chiara and my mom. I was in pain as the kilometres passed, mostly in my back, neck, and arms. I thank all the people and sponsors who supported me in this endeavor that was not just a crazy feat, but a celebration of cycling and the Mortirolo. I'm sorry that I made my fans and friends wait so long, they have been exceptional, giving me their support throughout my attempt. "

For the record, this was Cecini’s 51st climb of the year, just one more than his 50 years.

Many guests from the world of cycling that have come to make at least a climb. Some, like Luciano Curti Grosio did 5 acents with Cecini. Also cyclists from the World Tour Tinkoff team, Hopplà, Nippo Vini Fantini, Mendrisio, Alberto Volpi, Dario Nicoletti, Marco Cattaneo, Raimondo Vairetti, Mauro Santambrogio, triathlete Matteo Fontana and many fans came from both Italy and abroad to witness the Everesting attempt. As well as female cyclists: Katia Zini, Olympic short track, Sara and Elisa Nicoletti.

Santini proudly supported the attempt by providing Cecini technical clothing as well as the automobile that followed him through the day to ensure a safe distance from passing traffic(the Mortirolo was not closed for the event). Santini also provided 7 jerseys symbolizing the 7 climbs originally planned(that became 8 in the end).