Rosa Wins 2001 Ferragosto Palio, Ending a Decades-Old Drought

The Rosa has blossomed again: it is their edition for the 2001 Ferragosto Contrade Palio.

They narrowly beat the Borgo, which was attempting a historic fourth victory, but luck is beyond anyone’s control: no one has ever managed to win the Assunta regatta for four consecutive years.

It became clear that things were not looking good for the winning boat during the lane draw: it was assigned to stroke, the outer waterline, which is most exposed to currents and waves.

The Last Victory of the Rosa

The last smile of the Rosa dated back to 1992, when they had repeated their victory from the previous year.

At that time, the crew of rowers was the same as now: Fabio, Marco, and Valerio Monese, along with Mauro Faraoni.

Later, Fabio had to withdraw due to health issues. But this time, despite risking his own health, he wanted to return to the race.

“To win,” he declared. And he kept his promise.