The Col Collective's video: Cippo di Carpegna Pantani s Climb with Davide Cassani - Cycling Inspiration Education

Although the Apennines may not be as famous as the Alps to the north that's not to say they are any less of a challenge, often deserted their steep and irregular pitches are a playground of pleasure and pain. The problems of the sport may have been well documented but despite what we know today as a kid growing up watching the Tour and Giro I couldn't help but be inspired by Marco Pantani, his unique style grinding out a big gear, hands on the drops, bandana covering his shaved head. It was these moments in the mountains that I watched way back then that stuck with me, made an impression and ultimately led me to want to explore these mythical places for myself. As a former professional rider and close friend of Marco's I was fortunate enough to be joined by Davide Cassani, now the coach of the Italian national team, to learn more about Marco's life and to experience the climb that he made famous the world over, in his own unorthodox style, as he tested himself time and time again to know if he'd be ready to conquer the Grand Tours on the short but challenging slopes of the Carpegna! Special thanks to Tonina Pantani, Marco's mother, for her help and support. Cippo di Carpegna Start: Carpegna Length: 6.5km Summit: 1,415m Elevation gain: 667m Average gradient: 11.25% Max gradient: 20% For more help and advice visit our website at http://thecolcollective.com, become part of our col community and sign up for our free newsletter for monthly updates. And if you fancy riding with us then we'll be hosting a number of cycling experiences for all abilities in the French Pyrenees each summer. Details available at http://thecolcollective.com/cycling-tours. Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Lezyne, MyPower by InfoCrank, Muc Off, The Sufferfest, TORQ and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special mountains to life for you all. If you're in need of new bike kit in the future and you enjoyed this video then bear them in mind and help keep the wheels turning :-) Never miss a video, subscribe to our YouTube channel or get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We’d love to hear from you. Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching. Mike Cotty The Col Collective Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheColCollective?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheColCollective Twitter: https://twitter.com/colcollective Instagram: http://instagram.com/thecolcollective Google+: https://plus.google.com/+TheColCollective