New and exciting initiatives enrich the already intense program of the “GP Days” of 14/16 May 2021, to pay tribute to Giorgio Parodi, the Genoese founder of the historic ‘Eagle Motorbike’, on the centennial of its establishment (Genoa, March 15th 1921).
The Institutions of Liguria region led by the Municipality of Genoa, together with the Italian Air Force (which will reach the century of its life on March 28, 2023) and the local Air Force Association (AAA), identified Giorgio Parodi as a prominent wonderful testimonial of his time; he was an excellent citizen, with his generous commitment, he has been able to combine his profile of valiant aviator, awarded with six medals during three conflicts with that, equally brilliant, of successful entrepreneur and passionate flight and motorbike sportsman.
The news follow one after the other: planes and motorbikes promise to make this ‘golden eagle’ event truly memorable, that “Lettuce”, the humble nickname that the Genoese pilot attributed to himself, carried proudly along both in flight and racing on the world tracks.
The organization of the “GP Days 2021” will be also enjoying the passionate commitment of ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) which will select the 100 vintage motorcycles participating in the event: fascinating queens of the history of Italian motorcycling, born from the ‘vision’ of this great Genoese entrepreneur and his brilliant designer, Carlo Guzzi. Moreover, thanks to the ASI Aeronautical Commission, a fascinating flight of vintage aircraft will perform a fly past over the venue of the event, offering an even more engaging experience. Finally, on occasion of Milano AutoClassica exhibition, scheduled from 25th to 27th September, in the pavilions of Fiera Milano-Rho, “GP Days 2021” will be presented to the general public with a preview of the activities and many guests at the ASI stand.
“Together with the mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci, we have decided to strongly support this event: the city is proud and lofty to be able to celebrate its special link with Giorgio Parodi and with the whole world linked to the ‘eagle legend’. Through Giorgio’s life we remember the history and the stubborn and industrious character of Genoa” – said the councilor Paola Bordilli.
Important updates come from Elena Bagnasco, President of the Giorgio Parodi Association, who completed the research for the publication of a book on the adventurous life of GP with unpublished photos and stories. The book, entitled “Giorgio Parodi – The wings of the eagle” will be available for booking and purchasing through the website www.giorgioparodi.it.
“The website – Elena Bagnasco explains – is enriched every day with interesting opportunities: the latest of which are the specialties of our Ligurian cuisine and the fine silver filigree products handcrafted by the master goldsmiths of Campo Ligure”.
It will also be possible to make reservations for an exclusive gala dinner in the prestigious rooms of Palazzo Ducale; since limited seats are available, it is advisable to book in advance; the funds collected from the various initiatives will go to the local ‘Giannina Gaslini’ Pediatric Hospital. (You can see a smart introduction following this link https://tinyurl.com/GP-GASLINI )
In the same period, during the Rolli Days, Genoa Municipality will offer to our guests the unique opportunity to visit some of the most prestigious palaces, residence of the most prominent families, ruling the ancient and powerful Maritime Republic of Genoa and belonging to the UNESCO World heritage list.
Registration for the event (www.giorgioparodi.it) is open to those who want to be part of a truly special event.
“I can only express the satisfaction of organizing in our city and in the Porto Antico area” – declared Mauro Ferrando, President of the Porto Antico S.p.A. resort – “such a wide-ranging happening, organized despite the difficulties associated with the pandemic, therefore well expressing our Genoese tenacity, Giorgio Parodi’s first and foremost quality”.
It will be precisely through the city streets that the stages of the “Parodi Tour” will unfold, in preparation by the TeA Tourism and Environment Association, visiting the significant venues of the family history.
Moreover, Giorgio Parodi deserves a tribute and an event of such a magnitude. As a matter of fact, he is not only a symbol for motorcycling world but also a brave and gallant aviator. He was co-founder of the Aero Club of Genoa, one of the most historic in Italy; he established and run a very valuable flying school that has been named after him; ‘Lettuce’ qualified, among others, Carina Negrone, the female pilot who established still unbeaten world records.
Motorbikes and planes then found a perfect fusion in the pilot eagle on his uniform, also the emblem on his motorcycles which represented, and still is, a symbol of the pilots, both civil and military in the world. An interesting and wide presentation of the event can be seen in the interview with Elena Bagnasco produced by the journalist and press officer of Aeroclub of Genoa, Dino Frambati, in a video of the WebTV ‘Genova Superba’. (https://tinyurl.com/GP-AEROCLUBGE )
