Our Founder, 
Tour Leader Passione

I was born in Martina Franca, in the heart of the Itria Valley, a true Apulian. I've been cycling since I was 9 years old. I started racing right away, from the very young to the junior level. Road, track, I traveled far and wide across Italy from a young age. For the bike, yes, to race my bike, starting with that blue Giubilato my dad bought me from Marangella in Taranto. As I grew older, my career as product manager took me abroad, first to London, then Spain and Asia, where I've spent the last 25 years. My passion for cycling has never left me, and I've returned to competing in semi-pro and elite amateur competitions, from Japan to Australia, from China to Indonesia, and even Thailand. Now I enjoy riding with friends, always driven by my passion for cycling and everything that goes with it. Passion itself, it's all summed up in a single word, the one that fuels and drives the love of the most beautiful sport in the world, a means as ingenious as it is simple, which allows you to see the world through different eyes. You truly rediscover the beauty of the world when you ride a bike. I couldn't help but choose any another name for this bike tour company, Passione is Italian for Passion, it is in the DNA of cyclists, and of us Apulians, who have an innate hospitality and an extraordinary generosity toward those who visit us. Passione is what keeps you alive and part of a community, that sense of belonging that emerges when you've found what you love most. There's a phrase I really like: 'Become who you are.' In fact, that's precisely what it means to be passionate about the way of life on a bike, and to share those extraordinary moments with those who want to pedal, today slowly, observing and immersing themselves in the culture and traditions that I will accompany you to discover.
 
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those who have shaped my journey. To my entire family—to my dad, who first put me on my first bike, to my mom, my brother, and my sister—your unconditional love and support have made me the passionate and kind person I am today.
 
To the late Ciccio Sgobbio, my president, coach, and second father, whose guidance was crucial to my early victories.
 
A heartfelt thank you also to my sponsors, coaches, mentors, training partners, and teammates, who keep the flame of my passion for cycling alive every day.

 This adventure is a tribute to all of you.