Tour Leaders
Professional, friendly and knowledgeable, Ciclismo Classico guides immerse you in your journey like no other leaders can. They are native or expert to the routes they lead and will introduce you to people, places, and flavors that many locals have never even experienced!
Their credentials speak for themselves, but it's guest feedback that says it all. Guests consistently rate their guides the highest on evaluations, and these impeccable leaders are the #1 reason people return to Ciclismo Classico year
after year.
Meet Our Expert Leaders
Davide Marchegiano, European Operations Manager
An innovator at heart, at age 12 Davide converted his mother's bike into a mountain bike – a two-wheeler virtually unknown in Italy at the time! Hailing from Piedmont, Davide studied philosophy at college in Torino and then went on to serve in the army as an officer in charge of training programs. He has completed semi-pro road races and says he likes to repair and assemble bicycles as much as ride them. With his passion and knowledge of great Italian cycling and his natural leadership skills, Davide ensures that all aspects of your tour are top notch.
Gelato of choice: stracciatella (chocolate chip)
Favorite cycling website: SportPro
“Davide was an amazing leader. I could not have asked for a better guide.” – Jennifer of South Salem, NY
“Davide was exceptional, friendly, helpful, courteous and competent.” – Michael of Grand Rapids, MI
Suzie Regul, European Operations Coordinator
Although she is a California native, Suzie’s roots in Italy are long-standing. Her grandparents live in a small town in Veneto where she grew up drinking watered-down wine while her grandfather sang the old classic, O Sole Mio. Suzie completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering before traveling the world on the U.S. National Volleyball team for two years and playing professionally in Brazil, Turkey, Spain and Italy for four. Upon landing in Italy, Suzie decided to “go native” - and it shows. She has lead bike tours to all parts of Italy and shows you around like a local. Besides guiding, she is a volleyball coach and personal trainer, not to mention Ciclismo Classico’s Technical Director of European Operations. In the off-season she enjoys skiing; in any season she enjoys a gelato or a good cappuccino.
Gelato of choice: plain yogurt
Favorite cycling website: Val Gardena
“Suzie was fantastic, enthusiastic, informative, organized, and encouraging! The group melted together beautifully and I believe she had a lot to do with it.” – David of Florence, WI
"Suzie was unbelievable and couldn’t be better in any way. She was the best part of our trip, aside from being on the beautiful islands.” – Eloise of Locust Valley, NY
Enrico Pizzorni, Tour Leader and Italy R&D specialist
Besides being our Trip Leader Extraordinaire (he’s lead every Ciclismo Classico tour at least once!), Enrico practices virtually every sport known to mankind. Inspired at the tender age of 4 by his first exposure to Fausto Coppi, Enrico’s passion supports guests to discover their own cycling and athletic potential. When not dreaming about his ultimate ride – Sicily to the Dolomites – Enrico develops new tours all over Italy.
Gelato of choice: His grandparents own a gelateria, so he loves them all!
“Enrico is one of my all time favorite guides. He is so fun!” – Rich of Napa, CA
"Enrico is an Italian national treasure.” – Ellis of Houston, TX
Alessandro Allegro – “Ale”
'Ale' as he is affectionately known, was born in Piedmont but is half-Calabrese. At 15, he acquired a second-hand Bianchi and his cycling passion was born. Ale has been leading Ciclismo Classico for nine years during which his degrees in electronics and telecommunications have come in handy with the technical aspects of cycling and his mastery of four languages makes him a versatile and proficient leader. Currently, Ale resides in Spain and is our Trip Specialist for Andalucia and Piedmont.
Gelato of choice: lemon
“Alessandro is the gold standard.” – John of Golden, CO
“Alessandro was superb. I really want to do another trip with him.” – Priscilla of Portland, OR
Marcello Bonini
As Trip Specialist for Bike Across Italy and Tuscany & Elba, it is no wonder that Marcello’s favorite cycling is the Tuscan hills. Having been on the frontlines of our company for the last ten years. Marcello is a master of all things Ciclismo – from breath-taking biking to the best wines around. Another bona fide Renaissance man, he is a former tri-athlete, personal trainer, masseur, teacher and sommelier!
Gelato of choice: pistachio or walnut
“Marcello was the greatest. He made the bike ride a real Italian experience.” – Marvin of Des Moines, IA
“Marcello was excellent, attentive, knowledgeable, well organized, and fun!” – Mark of Oak Park, IL
Cristiano Bonino
Bravo! Fantastico! are exclamations you’ll hear on tour with Cristiano. This tri-athlete, marathon runner, avid cyclist, and optimist to the core is Trip Specialist for Sardegna and Corsica and our newest adventure – Friuli and Slovenia! His fondest memory on tour was a countryside picnic with shepherds in Sardegna. Cristiano upholds the old adage “you are what you eat.” Well if that is the case, then Cristiano is a vegetable garden. His guests love his dynamic style, love of life, and enthusiasm for those tough climbs and invigorating descents.
Gelato of choice: bacio (mix of chocolate and hazelnut)
Favorite cycling website: National Geographic Traveler
“Cristiano is a wonderful guide – fun, professional and knowledgeable. I am becoming a groupie!” – Angela of Los Altos Hills, CA
“Cristiano made the trip the once-in-a-lifetime experience that it was." – Theresa of South Hamilton, MA
Marco Damiani
Marco is a fireman, five-time Hawaii Iron Man champion, and former pro tri-athlete – so it’s never a dull moment in his company. Marco has lead tours with Ciclismo Classico for the last seven years. When he’s not on the bike or fighting fires, he kite surfs. This man simply loves the outdoors! In his youth, Marco was an “extra” in the opera– so you may still catch him singing an aria here and there.
“Marco’s knowledge of the area was amazing!” – John of Renton, WA
“Marco was great. He helped make the trip special for us. He handled everything that came up.” – John of Aspen, CO
Massimo de Laurentiis
So far this year, Massimo has clocked 3,000 kilometers – and it’s only March! Hailing from Abruzzo, climbing mountains is Massimo's #1 passion. A true Renaissance man, Massimo is an accounting whiz, speaks five languages, has traveled five of the seven continents, and lived in both the U.S. and Brazil. Three years ago he settled in Rome where it is his pleasure to help Ciclismo guests when they come to the capital.
Gelato of choice: lemon sorbetto
Favorite cycling website: Responsible Travel
"Massimo is a treasure.” – Eric of Vancouver, WA
“This was our third trip with Massimo. He’s just a great person: intelligent, very considerate, very knowledgeable. A great advertisment for Italy.” – Ellis of Houston, TX
Alessandro Draghi – "Sandro"
“Sandro,” as he likes to be called, is new to Ciclismo but already a beloved guide. A professional wine and olive oil sommelier, Sandro works on an agriturismo (a farm home-stay combining agriculture and tourism) based out of a medieval mill from 1365! So, on top of loving to travel by bike, he knows the comforts of good, homegrown food and exquisite wines and oils – and how to taste the difference. Hailing from Siena, Sandra has also worked as a naturalist guide and biologist in Tuscany. Sandro leads Amalfi Stroll and Roll and Giro della Toscana.
Gelato of choice: nocciola (hazelnut) or pistachio
Favorite cycling website: L'Eroica
“Sandro was five star and made the trip a complete experience.” – Perry of Brooklyn, NY
“Sandro was terrific – enthusiastic, kind, knowledgeable and fun.” – Cindy of Salt Lake City, UT
Gianpaolo Fosco
Born in the mountains of Trentino Alto Adige near the Austrian border, six years ago “GP” ventured from the northernmost part of Italy to begin leading tours with Ciclismo Classico. His favorite places to bike are Puglia, Tuscany and, of course, the Dolomites. This super-guide is both an expert cycling and a Master Ski Instructor (a teacher for teachers from as far off as Germany, England and Denmark)!
Gelato of choice: nocciola (hazelnut)
“GP – outstanding from beginning to end – splendid guide, cyclist, and person.” – Lawrence of Berkeley, CA
“We have taken four CC trips. All of the guides have been outstanding – but GP has been the best of all.” – Kathy of Saint Paul, MN
Dana Geraghty
Dana brings creative flair to Ciclismo Classico as an accomplished artist. A Colorado native, her diverse background includes art, history, graphic design, children's theater, bike-shop management and coaching. She has been a guide with Ciclismo for eight years and is well loved for her gentle, easy-going style. One of our Trip Specialists for Assaggio Toscana and Southern Italy–Sea, when you meet Dana, ask her the secrets to her homemade red wine!
Gelato of choice: nocciola (hazelnut)
“Frank and Dana were awesome! They were flawless in execution of the trip, support, and enthusiasm.” – Dorothy of Bellevue, WA.
“Frank and Dana were exceptional. They’re knowledge of the culture, history, food and wine were outstanding. Their passion for the sport is infectious. Their attention to detail and to the clients was unlike any I’ve experienced.” – Mary Ann of Plattsburgh, NY
Federica Luppi – "Fluppy"
“Fluppy,” as she is affectionately known, was born in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. She began cycling at age 5 with her grandmother in the countryside around her home. With degrees in English literature, marketing and international sales, Fluppy loves meeting people and exploring new places. She is an avid chef (her tiramisu is to die for) and loves cooking for friends. Beside her work as a translator, Fluppy has been riding with Ciclismo Classico since 2006. Her favorite tour is The Tuscan Fantasy.
Gelato of choice: bacio (chocolate with hazelnut)
Favorite cycling website: The Italian Federation of Urban Cyclists and Bicycle Tourism
“Federica made the trip. She was perfect!” – Bob of Yarmouth, ME
“Federica was very responsible and organized, as well as accommodating – an outstanding tour leader.” – Marion of Oak Park, IL
Andrea Marchesini
Andrea's first love is spinning across Europe on two wheels. In the 1990’s, he completed over 100 mountain bike races. He’s also an expert mechanic, having owned and managed a bike shop for six years. But Andrea’s talents are not limited to bicycles. He excels in music and took his talents to India where his band performed to an audience of thousands. For 5 years, Andrea lived in New York before settling in coastal Liguria. A true talent, Andrea is the Trip Specialist for Croatia, Venice to Bologna, Austria, and Italian Alps the Easy Way (where he has family ties along the route!). His personal network is so vast that if you are on tour with him, you may well meet a local celebrity! Once, he surprised his guests by inviting championship Italian cyclist Francesco Moser to dinner!
Gelato of choice: nocciola (hazelnut)
Favorite cycling website: Solo Bike and Sinai Divers
“Andrea was sincerely the best guide I have ever had.” – Gigi of Sausalito, CA
“Andrea was absolutely excellent. Flexible, well informed, up-beat, a great person to ride with.” – Alexander of East Setauket, NY
Paolo Nicolosi
Without question, Paolo Nicolosi is the King of Sicily. Born and raised in Catania, no one knows the island like he does – and boy does the island know him! Ride La Bella Sicilia with Paolo and see what we mean. He has cycled with Ciclismo Classico for over 10 years and loves introducing you to the irresistible charm of southern hospitality.
Gelato of choice: lemon
“Paolo gives the flavor of Sicily in a way few others can.” – Alan of Newton, MA
“Fabulous trip! I would go anywhere with Paolo.” – John of New York, NY
Andrea Nicosia
In six years with Ciclismo Classico, Andrea has introduced scores of cycling enthusiasts to the thrilling beauty of the Mediterranean islands of Sardegna and Corsica. But his most epic and rewarding journey was an expedition across Europe – from Italy to Norway (his mother’s home country) – by bicycle. Now living in Milan, Andrea is a member of the national mountain bike racing team, enjoys scuba diving, and works as a spinning instructor and cycling coach at a local fitness club.
“Andrea was a pro! I really admire his flexibility and agility. He is very sensitive to guests’ needs.” – Lynne of Portola Valley, CA
“Excellent! Andrea was the real joy of the trip!” – Shahna of Pittsburgh, PA
Dylan Reynolds
As a child in Zambia, Dylan rode on the crossbar of his father’s bicycle and at 12, he and his family cycled the length and breadth of Great Britain! At university, Dylan studied history, international relations, and languages (three, to be precise) while cycling and played squash. Local to Italy for the past seven years, Dylan arrived intending to play squash professionally. Instead he found himself guiding for Ciclismo Classico and he has been at it ever since! A traveler to the core, Dylan now divides his year among Britain, France, and Italy.
Gelato of choice: tiramisu
Favorite cycling website: Thorn Tree Travel Forum
“Dylan was awesome – he made the trip. I would go with him again in a heartbeat.” – Robert of Medina, WA
"Dylan took care of our every need or desire. The trip in every way was wonderful and Dylan made it that way. He supplied everything including an abundance of laughter. What a gentleman…” - Ingrid of Boulder, CO
Giuseppe Salerno – "Beppe"
Guiseppe or “Beppe” hails from Torino and perfected his English while living in the U.S. Not surprisingly, Beppe loves the outdoors and biking all over Italy. He has been a guide with Ciclismo Classico for the last seven years and when it becomes to cold to cycle, he pursues his new favorite activity: snow-shoeing in the Italian Alps!
“Beppe is a gentleman and very helpful.” – Debbie of Manchester, MA
Giu – Karen of Ann Arbor, MI
Simone Scalas
Simone is new to the Ciclismo family as of last year, but don’t be fooled. This super-guide hails from Sardegna and leads Mediterranean Island Hopping and Swept Away in Sardegna with a proud local passion. He’ll find you the best fresh seafood, epic climbs, and stunning vistas anywhere on the island.
Gelato of choice: cassata siciliana
Favorite cycling website: MTB Forum
“Simone was unbelievable for this being his first trip. I would book another trip just to be with him – he made me laugh for nine days.” – George of Rockledge, FL
“I really enjoyed having a Sardinian guide. Simone was quite the enthusiast and has a great sense of humor.” – Virginia of Bloomington, IN
Paolo Tabarretti
Paolo describes his passions as “nature, sports, and open spaces.” He thrives on showing Ciclismo guests the spectacular sights, vistas, and villages that many locals have never seen! Paolo’s background as a cartographer and environmental specialist aid him in organizing the most vivid cycling tours imaginable. Home for Paolo is the historic town of Fano on the Adriatic coast – also birthplace of CC founder Lauren Hefferon’s grandfather Generoso Orazietti!
Gelato of choice: nocciola (hazelnut)
Favorite cycling website: Bike and Piada
“Paolo was especially helpful and friendly. The guy is a gem.” – Eric of Cambridge, MA
“Paolo, this congenial, fun young man is by far the most integral part that made this trip the successful memorable experience it was. Knowledgeable, professional, witty, and charming – passionate about his work, his love of his people, and Italy!” – David of Calabassas, CA
Frank Yantorno
Another Colorado native and eight-year Ciclismo guide, Frank is a master mechanic – he used to run a bike shop in Aspen – who now calls Rome his home. Holding of Masters of Arts from New York University, Frank combines his love of cycling with a great passion for photography. With his partner Dana, Frank produces a singular homemade red wine.
Gelato of choice: mandorla (almond)
“Frank and Dana were awesome! They were flawless in execution of the trip, support, and enthusiasm.” – Dorothy of Bellevue, WA.
“Frank and Dana were exceptional. They’re knowledge of the culture, history, food and wine were outstanding. Their passion for the sport is infectious. Their attention to detail and to the clients was unlike any I’ve experienced.” – Mary Ann of Plattsburgh, NY