Valerio Zamboni

Last updated
Valerio Zamboni
Valerio Zamboni New Jet.jpg
Zamboni after 2011 Race Across America
Personal information
Full nameValerio Zamboni
Born11 March 1954 (1954-03-11)
Anzola dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
Team information
Current teamZamboni
Discipline Ultra-distance cycling
RoleRider
Major wins
2 times RAAM age category winner (2016, 2018)
2 times Race Around Ireland winner (2011, 2017)


Valerio Zamboni (born 1954) is an Italian ultra cyclist who is a six-time winner World Ultra-Cycling Association World Cup, [1] Ultramarathon World Champion, [2] [3] and record holder in the Race Across America. [4] He is also a pilot, and founder of a business aircraft sales and acquisition company NewJet International.

Contents

Early life

Valerio Zamboni was born to Italian parents, Norina Balestri and Luciano Zamboni, in Emilia Romagna, Italy. He spent his formative years in Bologna, where he received his primary education. Zamboni pursued his education at the International High School of Languages. He became a glider pilot at a young age. After completing his studies at the Liceo Linguistico internazionale, Zamboni's passion for flying led him to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. [5]

At the age of 23, he relocated to Milan to embark on his first pilot job, starting his professional career in the aviation industry. He earned his commercial licenses and started his career as a co-pilot in 1978, flying the Falcon 10 and Falcon 20 for Milan-based charter operator VIP air. [6]

After being a pilot for about 15 years, now Zamboni own a New Jet International company, which became the exclusive sales representative for Bombardier's Business jet line in some European countries. [7] [8]

Cycling career

Valerio Zamboni was a climbing enthusiast until a severe fall and pelvis reconstruction forced him to stop physical activity. After gaining some weight, Zamboni turned to cycling in 2006 for health reasons. He began practicing at a competition level after undergoing extensive physical and mental training. In 2010, Zamboni participated in his first race, the Sebring, marking the start of his competitive cycling career. [9]

Medal record
Ultra-distance cycling
Representing Flag of Monaco.svg  Monaco
RAAM
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg2011Solo mens(50-59)
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg2012Solo mens(50-59)
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg2014Solo mens(60-69)
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2016Solo mens(60-69)
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2018Solo mens(60-69)
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg2019Solo mens(60-69)
Race Around Ireland
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2011Solo mens
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg2017Solo mens

Valerio Zamboni's interest in cycling came relatively late in life, particularly in the field of ultracycling. [10] [11] Nevertheless, he was able to achieve a world championship title, and numerous records showcasing his determination and commitment to the sport. [12] At the age of 57, Valerio Zamboni achieved first the Ultramarathon World Champion title in 2011. [13] [14] [3] His multiple Race around Ireland participations led to a 15-minute short film. [3] Zamboni has set various age category records and received multiple awards, including the Indoor Track Record in Montichiari, Italy in 2017, [15] and the Everesting record in France in 2016. [16] He has participated in the Race Across America 11 times, and comleted 7 races, receiving numerous accolades for his accomplishments. [17] He has competed in 9 Races Around Italy and he is the only athlete who has always completed them and therefore has the most finisher's medals. [18]

Race results
YearEventCategoryPositionTime
2011 [19] Race Around Ireland Solo MensGold medal with cup.svg 1st131 hrs 36 mins
2011 [20] Race across America Solo mens (50-59)Bronze medal with cup.svg 3rd10 days 18 hours, 58 mins
2012 [21] Race across America Solo mens (50-59)Bronze medal with cup.svg 3rd11 days 18 hours 1 mins
2014 [22] Race across America Solo mens (60-69)Bronze medal with cup.svg 3rd12 days 20 hours 6 mins
2016 [23] Race across America Solo mens (60-69)Gold medal with cup.svg 1st12 days 14 hours 43 mins
2017 [24] Race Around Ireland Solo MensGold medal with cup.svg 1st125 hrs 45 mins
2018 [25] Race across America Solo mens (60-69)Gold medal with cup.svg 1st12 days 17 hours 28 mins
2019 [26] Race across America Solo mens (60-69)Silver medal with cup.svg 2nd12 days 12 hours 24 mins

World records

Valerio Zamboni Records officially certified by World UltraCycling Association
Record TypeDetailsCategoryBike TypeAgeAge GroupStart Date
Capital to CapitalMonte Carlo, Monaco - Andorra [27] SoloStandard61Men 60-692015-10-09
Capital to CapitalMonte Carlo, Monaco - San Marino [28] SoloStandard60Men 60-692014-03-08
Cross Country Italy E-W [29] SoloStandard59Men 50-592013-03-09
Cross Country Italy W-E [30] SoloStandard58Men 50-592012-03-10
Cross StateFlorida E-W [31] SoloStandard60Men 60-692014-01-18
Cross StateFlorida W-E [32] SoloStandard58Men 50-592012-01-14
Distance100 Mile Indoor Velodrome [33] SoloStandard63Men 60-692017-03-18
Distance200 Mile Indoor Velodrome [34] SoloStandard63Men 60-692017-03-18
Distance1000 km Indoor Velodrome [35] SoloStandard63Men 60-692017-03-18
Timed6 Hour Indoor Velodrome [36] SoloStandard63Men 60-692017-03-18
Timed12 Hour Indoor Velodrome [37] SoloStandard63Men 60-692017-03-18
Timed24 Hour Indoor Velodrome [38] SoloStandard63Men 60-692017-03-18

Personal life

Valerio Zamboni resides in Monaco with his wife, Alessandra Soncini, whom he married in March 2008. [5] [39] [40]

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References

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