ROME, Jan 24 (CP) - The deceased Italian and 1998 Tour de France winner Marco Pantani will be getting a statue, which is to be placed on the famous Mortirolo mountain. The statue will represent 'the Pirate' in his typical climbing position: Dancing on the pedals, hands low on the handles and looking back at those who cannot keep up. Different representations were possible for the statue: "They were all beautiful plans, which made the choice very hard," said ACCPI chairman Amedeo Colombia. The idea of Felice Gimondi, Claudio Chiappucci and Gianni Bugno was chosen. The statue will be sponsored by Pantani's former teams, Mercatone Uno, bike supplier Bianchi. The statue will be inaugurated on May 27th, as the Giro riders will have to climb the Mortirolo on that day.

© Sébastien Toussaint