The Lion King’s softer side
The Daily Peloton had an interesting story about Mario Cipollini at the 2002 Gent-Wevelgem:
At the start of the Gent-Wevelgem race in Gent’s Citadel Park, there was a small boy in a wheelchair along the barriers and he was trying to get autographs from the riders, but being low to the ground, he was wasn’t having much luck. Cipo rode past him on the way in to the sign-on but he must have noticed him because, as he went to ride out, he pulled over to where the young boy was sitting. Cipo got off his bike, kneeled down next to the boy, put his arm around him and motioned for the boy’s mom to take a picture. She was completely unprepared and he patiently waited while she fumbled with her camera. After the picture, Cipo signed the boy’s autograph book and took his cycling cap out of his jersey pocket and gave it to the boy. The kid’s face was glowing. It was a touching moment. It was a gesture done away from any reporters or TV cameras. I remembered this scene as I later watched the Lion King cross the finish line, arms raised in victory.