Lake Bisse Palio Winners Honored at Sirmione Ceremony
President of Lega Bisse, Franco Poli, handed over the Lake Flag to the Peschiera-Ichtya crew. Paolo Tacconi, born in ’67, a worker; Stefano Mazzurega, ’74, a chemist; Massimo Raimondi, ’73, a printer; and Osvaldo Mazzurega, ’49, a warehouseman and Stefano’s father, won the Palio for the third consecutive year. They will keep the banner at their headquarters, aiming to achieve a perfect record (poker) in 2002.
The ceremony took place at a restaurant in Sirmione, called l’Ancora d’Oro. Participants from the eight regattas, held from June to August, accompanied by their families and club representatives, gathered to celebrate the strongest crews, who were loudly applauded. Mayors (Maurizio Ferrari of Sirmione, Armando Ferrari of Bardolino), deputy mayors (Alessandro Buffoli of Iseo), officials from various institutions (Giuseppe Mongiello of the Comunità, Bruno Faustini of the Parco Alto Garda), provincial councilors (Alberto Martelletto of Verona), and municipal officials were also present.
Comments and Recognitions
“There were two new elements this year’s championship,” – recalled Poli –. The most spectacular change was in the regulations (each evening, the three qualifying heats and the final between the top two from each group), and the return of races in Sirmione. Organizing the Palio costs nearly 200 million lire. We must be grateful to the municipal authorities and sponsors who support us, but the effort is significant, and we will need to carefully evaluate the situation moving forward.”
He praised Ichtya of Peschiera for their athletes’ passion, enthusiasm, and good preparation. However, a wind of controversy blows through Lega. Brescians accuse the Verona crews of participating in meetings with disruptive attitudes; others respond that they want more influence within the governing body.
Because, after all, they have historically been the main protagonists of the bisse races. It’s worth remembering that this is the 22nd Palio won by crews from the eastern shore (seven by the legendary “Paloma,” six of which were for Torri and one racing with Garda; “Berengario” from Torri with four wins; Garda with four, Peschiera with as many; S. Vigilio, Lazise, and Bardolino with one each). Meanwhile, “our” crews have only claimed twelve victories: five by “Clusanina” from Lake Iseo, four by “Foscarina” from Gardone Riviera, and three by “Villanella” from Gargnano.
Internal issues and awards
“There have been difficult moments,” – said Poli. “Some questioned our very purpose, the unifying guiding principle, and the tradition of Garda sport. In the end, reason prevailed. We cannot disperse a heritage we inherited by letting petty rivalries take over. There are organizational and internal management issues. We will evaluate the overall situation in the coming weeks.”
Mongiello emphasized that “discussions can sometimes become heated. What’s important is to find a synthesis, rekindling the sense of belonging. Public administrations make efforts to ensure that the tradition of sacrifice and commitment continues to live.”
Finally, the awards. Mayor Ferrari presented the “Grifone” to Poli, who then handed the family flag of the Rossetti to the Comune di Iseo “for their consistent dedication and seriousness in following the bisse.” Recognitions also went to Bardolino, second place, and Garda, third. The Brescia boats had to settle for the lesser prizes. Fourth was Portesina (Davide Manovali, Giuseppe Dolcini, Ivano Baccolo, Mauro Reghenzi, son of the legendary Guidone); fifth was Clusanina (with two pairs of brothers, Sandro and Luca Bettoni, Giuseppe and Enzo Barbieri); sixth was Foscarina (Maurizio Erculiani, Marco Bargellesi, Franco Baruffaldi, and Marco Righettini).
