Valerio Zamboni (born 1954) is an Italian ultra cyclist who is a six-time winner World Ultra-Cycling Association World Cup, Ultramarathon World Champion, and record holder in the Race Across America. He is also a pilot and founder of the business aircraft sales and acquisition company NewJet International.
Early life Valerio Zamboni was born to Italian parents, Norina Balestri and Luciano Zamboni, in Emilia Romagna, Italy. He spent his formative years in Bologna, where he received his primary education. Zamboni pursued his education at the International High School of Languages. He became a glider pilot at a young age. After completing his studies at the Liceo Linguistico internazionale, Zamboni's passion for flying led him to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
At the age of 23, he relocated to Milan to embark on his first pilot job, starting his professional career in the aviation industry. He earned his commercial licenses and started his career as a co-pilot in 1978, flying the Falcon 10 and Falcon 20 for Milan-based charter operator VIP air.
After being a pilot for about 15 years, now Zamboni own a New Jet International company, which became the exclusive sales representative for Bombardier's Business jet line in some European countries.
Cycling career Valerio Zamboni was a climbing enthusiast until a severe fall and pelvis reconstruction forced him to stop physical activity. After gaining some weight, Zamboni turned to cycling in 2006 for health reasons. He began practicing at a competition level after undergoing extensive physical and mental training. In 2010, Zamboni participated in his first race, the Sebring, marking the start of his competitive cycling career.
Valerio Zamboni's interest in cycling came relatively late in life, particularly in the field of ultracycling. Nevertheless, he was able to achieve a world championship title, and numerous records showcasing his determination and commitment to the sport. At the age of 57, Valerio Zamboni achieved first the Ultramarathon World Champion title in 2011. His multiple Race around Ireland participations led to a 15-minute short film. Zamboni has set various age category records and received multiple awards, including the Indoor Track Record in Montichiari, Italy in 2017, and the Everesting record in France in 2016. He has participated in the Race Across America 11 times, and completed 7 races, receiving numerous accolades for his accomplishments. He has competed in 9 Races Around Italy and he is the only athlete who has always completed them and therefore has the most finisher's medals.
+Race resultsYearEventCategoryPositionTime2011Race Around IrelandSolo Mens 1st131 hrs 36 mins2011Race across AmericaSolo mens (50-59) 3rd10 days 18 hours, 58 mins2012Race across AmericaSolo mens (50-59) 3rd11 days 18 hours 1 mins 2014Race across AmericaSolo mens (60-69) 3rd12 days 20 hours 6 mins2016Race across AmericaSolo mens (60-69) 1st12 days 14 hours 43 mins2017Race Around IrelandSolo Mens 1st125 hrs 45 mins2018Race across AmericaSolo mens (60-69) 1st12 days 17 hours 28 mins2019Race across AmericaSolo mens (60-69) 2nd12 days 12 hours 24 mins
World records + Valerio Zamboni Records officially certified by World UltraCycling Association Record Type Details Category Bike Type Age Age Group Start date Capital to Capital Monte Carlo, Monaco - Andorra Solo Standard 61 Men 60-69 2015-10-09 Capital to Capital Monte Carlo, Monaco - San Marino Solo Standard 60 Men 60-69 2014-03-08 Cross country Italy E-W Solo Standard 59 Men 50-59 2013-03-09 Cross country Italy W-E Solo Standard 58 Men 50-59 2012-03-10 Cross State Florida E-W Solo Standard 60 Men 60-69 2014-01-18 Cross State Florida W-E Solo Standard 58 Men 50-59 2012-01-14 Distance 100 Mile Indoor Velodrome Solo Standard 63 Men 60-69 2017-03-18 Distance 200 Mile Indoor Velodrome Solo Standard 63 Men 60-69 2017-03-18 Distance 1000 km Indoor Velodrome Solo Standard 63 Men 60-69 2017-03-18 Timed 6 Hour Indoor Velodrome Solo Standard 63 Men 60-69 2017-03-18 Timed 12 Hour Indoor Velodrome Solo Standard 63 Men 60-69 2017-03-18 Timed 24 Hour Indoor Velodrome Solo Standard 63 Men 60-69 2017-03-18
Personal life Valerio Zamboni resides in Monaco with his wife, Alessandra Soncini, whom he married in March 2008.
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