Sirmione 2001: Giro d’Italia Stage, Rai Broadcast & Cultural Events

2001 will be a year of major events for Sirmione. The first was already known, and it concerns the time-trial stage from Sirmione to Salò of 55 kilometers, part of the 84th edition of the Giro d’Italia scheduled for June 3rd.

The second, on the other hand, was announced the other evening in the council chamber by assessore Giordano Signori. It involves an agreement reached with Rai, particularly with Bruno Vespa, for the live broadcast of the final ceremony of the journalistic award «Sirmione Catullo». As a reminder, this year the award has changed its format, shifting from a literary to a journalistic focus.

Details of the broadcast and the award

This is not simply a segment within a program, but a genuine dedicated broadcast entirely focused on the Sirmione competition. Similar to other prestigious literary awards, this involves a significant effort for Sirmione.

First, the cycling race, with a route starting from the walls of the Castle — an extraordinary advertising spot that will be broadcast live in hundreds of countries via satellite.

Then, the Catullo Award, which is expected to be hosted by Bruno Vespa, as already happened in this year’s edition, the first under the new management.

In response to a question posed in the council chamber by Mario Arduino, one of the founders of the now-defunct literary competition, Giordano Signori announced that the 2000 edition cost 148 million lira, of which 72 million were covered by the sponsor.

Furthermore, Signori clarified that «Bruno Vespa did not receive any compensation». But how much will the next edition, with its live broadcast on Rai, cost?

«No less than 400 million lira — the assessore further stated — but we expect to recover at least half of that, around 200 million, thanks to sponsors.»

Thoughts on the future international destination

Undoubtedly, if the entire operation goes ahead (an agreement is already in place, only details remain), Sirmione would finally be cemented as a glamorous destination.

That was perhaps what it lacked for some time, since leaving behind the golden age of the 1960s and 1970s, from Callas to Marina Doria, from Count Nuvoletti to Agusta.

The same Mario Arduino expressed «satisfaction with the future of the award program»; however, he urged the administration «not to forget culture altogether, and to keep alive the idea of maintaining at least one major cultural event».

And on this point, we believe that the former mayor and refined Latinist is right. Lastly, a final note. This time about rising tariffs.

Giordano Signori, who is also the budget assessor, announced in the City Council an increase in water bills — «not less than 10 percent» — due to government regulations «imposing a financial burden covering between 80% and 100% of the service cost».

In short, a blow to the pockets of Sirmione’s residents, who, in any case, do not find themselves better nor worse off compared to their neighbors. The opposition has already signaled it will oppose this measure.