With the start of this historical event just around the corner, we take a look at Mapei’s 30-year involvement in the sport of cycling, the last 15 of which it has been a partner of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The Italian company, one of the world’s leading producers of chemical products for use in the building industry, was founded by professional cyclist Rodolfo Squinzi in 1937. But it was 56 years later that Mapei, then headed by Rodolfo Squinzi’s son Giorgio, began its sponsorship of a first division UCI team. During the 1990s, the team racked up numerous successes wearing the kit bearing the still-famous Mapei cubes.
In addition, Mapei has been a Main Partner of the UCI Road World Championships since 2008.
Mapei’s presence in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
Mapei also has a less-visible presence at certain events. Take the track and para-cycling competitions at next month’s UCI Cycling World Championships as an example.
The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow opened in 2012 and has already hosted a round of the 2012-2013 UCI Track Cycling World Cup, the 2013 UCI Junior Track World Championships, and the track events for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 UEC European Championships.
During its construction, Mapei supplied products for the installation of over 4000m2 of porcelain tiles for the walls and floors of the changing areas, showers and WCs. That represented some 1000 bags of adhesive to fix approximately 28,000 tiles of various sizes, not to mention the liquid tanking membrane to waterproof shower and wet areas.
It is all part of Mapei’s continuing connection with cycling, coined in the words “Never Stop Pedalling” a favourite motto of Giorgio Squinzi, who died in 2019.
His daughter and current CEO of Mapei, Veronica Squinzi carries through with that motto.
“Our corporate history is inextricably tied to cycling,” she says, adding, “Many of the ideals that are so important to us come from this sport: passion, hard work, the determination to take on new challenges and teamwork".