12 Ore 1975

Stefano Sala

Stefano Sala su Gilera 50 Valdibure 1975

Stefano Sala took off at 6:49 am (the bikes started in the opposite direction to the usual one: from the highest to the lowest displacements). He wasn’t a celebrity, but he had the eyes of everyone in attendance pointing his motorcycle. In fact, the Gilera 50 with the number 101 was one of the two former officers who, surprisingly, started the first race in 1975, after the sensational withdrawal of the Arcore company at the end of 1974. The other was led by the Ligurians Robini and Vescia.

“I have indelible memories: an unrepeatable setting, a unique event, an incredible audience that gave a great charge. The departure at night, adrenaline-pumping and fascinating, snowy sections halfway through the route, the exciting specials ”

You managed to reach a fourth of the class by putting behind many good names in the regularism of the time and missing the podium for only 6 seconds after 12 hours:

“We were a well-matched couple, my Companion Luchi had great determination, he was a driver and I opted for a more conservative driving. The fast and reliable bike did the rest.

We met with Vescia after decades at the Six Days Revival of Elba and together we remembered our private battle for the podium. Beautiful moments ”

So you wanna relive those moments?

“I will be there! Even though I ride a motorcycle from time to time, I haven’t started training yet, I don’t know which bike or who I’ll pair up with but I’ll be there. So, simply, without ranking ambitions, with the spirit of those who want to participate in a party. “