Chapter X – Months later

Chapter X

Months after

Carlo arrived perfectly on time, at 10pm. “Be careful, Diego is asleep. Tomorrow is his birthday and he’s really excited. We’re throwing a party with his friends, classmates and teammates. Even the coach is coming.” “Where should I put this?” “Here, so he’ll see it as soon as he wakes up.” “He’s going to be shocked. Come on, help me get it off of the car. Today I woke up with my back hurting. I should change the mattress, maybe get a tougher one”. “And more expensive. If you go looking around for the cheapest, it figures you have back pain. Did you make a deal for this one too?” “Like hell! It’s a Colnago, just like the ones those diabetic cyclists had.” “Then I think it’s an overdue. He can ride a bike, but it’s not like he’s…” “Nothing’s ever good enough for you! It’s my present for my grandson and I wanted the best. Cut it out.” “Did you get a helmet too?” “Of course, here it is.” They sat down and Luisa joined them “Hi Carlo, did you bring the monster?” “Here, look at it.” Luisa nodded in approval, but she didn’t really know anything about bikes. “You promised you’ll let him ride to school, right?” “Yes, maybe when he’ll get better at it.” “Don’t joke about that. I’ll take it and get it back on the car. That was our deal. What did the doctor say? You have to let him live! The school is not even far, there’s no car or danger! Just think about his classmates when they’ll see him riding that fireball!” “Fireball? Don’t take it too far. He needs to be careful, go slowly, stop at the crossings.” “Whatever, the only important thing is that he enjoys it. Then, if it becomes a passion…” “Don’t even think about it, dad. This bike is important, but that’s it. For now, he’s playing football and

that’s already a huge achievement.” “Is he good? What’s his role?” “Defender. He’s not great, especially looking at some kids of his age who are really incredible: dribbling, crossing. There’s one who looks just like Maradona - when you pass him the ball he scores, every time. Diego is disciplined, keeps his position, listens to the coach, I mean, overall he’s a good player. But what really matters is that he’s bonding with his teammates. When they shower he’s not hiding. If somebody asks, he says he’s got diabetes. It’s a miracle.” “That’s good. I’m glad you finally let play him. Better late than never. Ok then, I’m heading out. What time is he going to be up tomorrow?” “It’s Sunday, he should be sleeping, but he will be excited. I’d say if you come around at 8:30 he should be awake.” At 8:00 Carlo knocked at the door. Luisa opened the door, still in her robe. “Oh gosh, did I wake you up?” “No, come in, I was about to make coffee.” “Good, just what I need” Carlo sat down and opened his Gazzetta. “Hi dad” “Hi Simone, did you sleep well?” The answer was mumbled “Last night we were up late. Diego stayed with the babysitter and we went to some friends for dinner... too much food, too much wine, too much grappa.” “I told you, when you need to you can call me. I’d be happy to stay here with Diego, there’s no need to have a babysitter.” “Thanks dad, you don’t have to” “Talking about Diego, what’s he doing? Still asleep?” “Yes, he’ll be up in a minute though.” Right then they heard the slippers at the top of the stairs. Diego was out of his room and was coming downstairs. He saw the bike immediately, in front of the fireplace. It was beautiful. Diego stood there, speechless, in his pyjamas, an incredulous gaze on his face and his mouth wide open. There was a long silence before he started laughing. A contagious laugh, while his parents and grandfather sang “happy birthday to you”. “Is it for me?” “Of course, it’s all yours!” “Can I ride it?” “No – said Carlo – you can only look at it.” Diego was silent and his face became serious. “I’m kidding, you fool! Of course you can ride it! To school – Luisa made eyes at Carlo – to the park, or

out with your friends. Don’t forget the helmet, though.” Carlo didn’t even finish his sentence and Diego was already running back to his room. He threw on a tshirt and shorts, quickly washed his face and teeth. Then he ran down the stairs again, put his helmet on and took the bike out. “You know, Diego, there’s a cycling team, they all have diabetes “ - Carlo said –“ they’re professionals, they race, you can watch them on tv…” But Diego wasn’t listening. He just took the time to say thanks, thank you all. Then he got on his bike and started riding towards the town, while Luisa’s last warnings followed him: “Be careful, there are cars!!! His first pedalling, his first emotion, the first taste of a reality that was unknown to him. This was real life, away from prejudice. It was a normal person’s life. That, on a sunny morning, on his birthday, was his first breakaway.

Team Novo Nordisk is awarded in the presence of Eddy Merckx and MP Roberto Pella