The European and Italian road champion Giacomo Nizzolo (Qhubeka Assos) is racing the Giro d’Italia with all his necessary paperwork in order.
His Ekoi helmet, in addition to being painted with the tricolor, features a mock Covid-19 travel document, which the world got a view of on stage 2 as he threw his bike for the line, head down.
The mock version of the document, which had been required in Italy for travel during the Covid-19 lockdown last year, is filled out in a lighthearted way with Giro references.
The travel form on his helmet hereby declares that he has been ‘released by the UCI’ to travel from Torino to Milan ‘for the purpose of winning stages.’
While the graphics are lighthearted, Nizzolo made a statement on social media expressing his intent with the helmet.
“This is to remember everything that’s happened in Italy these past months (with Covid-19),” Nizzolo said, adding, “I hope to win a stage before Milano.”
And finally, the self-declaration form on his helmet states: ‘regarding the move, he also declares: Viva il Giro.’
Giacomo Nizzolo lunges for the line on stage 2 just behind Tim Merlier.
The purpose of the travel? To win the overall? No. A day trip? No. To win stages? Yes!
The easiest way to prevent losing your paperwork? Have it attached to your head.