Cyclists play football with AlbinoLeffe for charity

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Claudio Chiappucci and comedian Gene Gnocchi in Albino playing calcio (football)for charity. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

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Claudio Chiappucci was on form in the AlbinoLeffe football match (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

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Ivan Gotti, 2X Giro d'Italia winner, shows he is good with a ball during the AlbinoLeffe charity match. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

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Alberto Volpi looks good on the grass, the Bergamasco was one of several cyclist gathered help to raise money for charity.- (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

By Gregor Brown

Yesterday, cyclists gathered in Albino, Italy, for a charity football match in the stadium of AlbinoLeffe, a Serie B team, to help raise money in a telethon. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, up to five hundred people responded and helped raise €1500 for a research foundation.

Clouds and cold weather near Bergamo did not stop some of the stars from cycling's present and past go head-to-head AlbinoLeffe players. Cyclists who participated and lent there name to a good cause included Claudio Chiappucci, Mariano Piccoli, Mario Scirea, Ivan Gotti, Gian Matteo Fagnini, Eddy Mazzoleni, Wladimir Belli and Mirko Celestino.