We are a team of three cyclists: Lorenzo, Riccardo and Gianluca Alonzi (father and sons, aged 45, 19 and 17). We have always lived in Edinburgh, but we have a strong connection with our family roots in Italy. The fourth member of the team is our cousin, Simon Cantle, who has designed our website and team logo, and plays a central role in the management of our fundraising.
Following in the footsteps of many other Italian families before them, the Alonzis first came to Edinburgh in the 1950s from Picinisco. It is remarkable just how many Italians in Edinburgh come from this remote part of Italy; the story of Picinisco and the migration of its people to Scotland is portrayed in the books “Dear Francesca” and “Dear Olivia” by Mary Contini of the delicatessen, Valvona & Crolla Ltd.
Picinisco is a medieval hilltop village dating back to the 11th century. It has a population of around 1,200 and is situated approximately 85 miles south of Rome, at a height of 725 metres above sea level, in the Comino Valley of the Apennine Mountains. It is very close to Monte Cassino which is where one of the hardest fought battles of the Second World War took place. In 1919 Picinisco was also home to the writer D.H. Lawrence and his wife Freida; it was during his stay in Italy that he wrote “The Lost Girl”, drawing inspiration from his experiences in Picinisco, the local people and, in his own words, the “staggeringly primitive” surroundings. The house where he lived, now known as “Casa Lawrence”, has been restored and is a popular visitor attraction.
For over one hundred and fifty years the Alonzis have lived off the land in Picinisco, growing crops, keeping animals and cultivating vines and olive trees. We still have family there who are continuing in this tradition and every year we return for the summer. We have spent many long, hot summer days on the bike, climbing the winding country roads of the mountains surrounding the Comino Valley; this is where the idea for the Eurocycle began.
© Copyright Eurocycle 2009 - This Site was last updated on Saturday, 06 June 2009