Rugby
Rugby vs. the World: Gladiators battle in Italy
In a battle of gladiatorial proportions, two Italian sporting legends go head-to-head in Milan in the Rugby vs. Cycling Challenge. Former Italy Rugby captain Andrea Lo Cicero faces cycling sprint master Mario Cipollini in three friendly, fun-filled challenges.
Italy is certainly known for its gladiators, so what better place to send two sporting legends into yet another historic battle. Here Italy’s most-capped Rugby player, Andrea Lo Cicero, accepts the challenge to face iconic cycling sprinter and Tour de France stage winner Mario Cipollini.
Watch the video and you'll see that our gladiators take their role as ambassadors serious (really!). They give it their all...and have a little fun along the way. After all, it's all about shining a spotlight on their sports of Rugby and Cycling while the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour is in Italy. DHL is supporting the tour as the Official Logistics Partner to Rugby World Cup 2015.
“Where is the ambulance?” (Andrea Lo Cicero)
Gladiators, we salute you!
Our ambassadors first enter the ring for the Rugby Challenge – Big Hits – which requires them to take down three tackle bags and race to the line. With 15 years in Rugby and over 100 caps for Italy, Andrea was the obvious man to beat. And he didn’t disappoint, demonstrating that at 38 years young, he’s still quick on his feet.
“It’s very easy, I do this for 15 years, maybe more,” he offered afterward.
Over at the track it’s another story. The Cycling Challenge – Catch Me if You Can – will see Andrea get a 5-second head start on “Super Mario,” considered one of the best sprinters of his generation. Looking down at his bike, Andrea was sure he didn’t stand a chance, joking that: “If you look at his bike and then my bike, which you buy in a super market…”
But Andrea pedalled hard and surprised even Super Mario, who was unable to completely close the gap, crossing the line just one bike length behind the Italian rugby union footballer.
While Mario congratulated his foe (“He’s very fast.”), Andrea was gasping for oxygen (“Where is the ambulance?”).
GALLERY: Don’t forget to click through the photo gallery above.
The final Challenge is the Gladiatorial Gauntlet – a “test” of speed, strength and style through which our ambassadors have trouble keeping a straight face! Did we mention this was a friendly competition?
Though Rugby wins the Challenge in Italy 2:1, the real winners are the sports of Rugby and Cycling – and there’s no doubt our ambassadors had fun promoting them.
“It was a nice day,” said Mario.
Next challenge: Gymnastics in Romania
The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour’s next stop is in Romania, where Rugby will face the sport of Gymnastics, so stay tuned!
Follow us on Twitter @DHL_Rugby (#anythingispossible) or facebook.com/DHLRugby and catch up on all the Rugby vs. The World action on YouTube!
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