Months after not knowing if he would ever be able to ride as a professional cyclist again or whether he’d have a leg amputated, Daniele Colli has returned to racing with strong results this week in the Brixia Tour. Colli was again second in yesterday’s third stage from Brescia to Buffalora after already finishing second on stage two.
The Italian was diagnosed with a tumor to his knee in November last year and risked losing part of his leg. The 29 year old beat the odds and has returned to the top level racing after six months away, with his Geox-TMC team supporting him fully through the ordeal.
“I’m so happy,” said Colli. “Up until a few months ago I didn’t even know if I would ever be able to get back on a bike. To be here now pedalling with the pack and being able to battle for victory is an immense joy.”
His two second place finishes have given him the lead in the red jersey of the points classification. That isn't the only good news for his Geox-TMC team, with teammate Fabio Felline wearing the white jersey of best young rider, and also maintains his second place in the general classification.
“Of course, it’s better to win a race, but the placements I obtained in these days boost my morale and gives me confidence. They’re proof that after the surgery to my knee and the physical problems I’ve had, I’ve managed to recuperate and return to a high level.
“I’ve already won the most important victory, against the tumour. What I went through has helped me to grow and mature as an athlete but especially as a man. Now I hope I can continue in this direction and make up for lost time. I owe it to myself and to the team that waited for me all these months, that helped me and had faith in me.”
Colli made his debut in the professional ranks with Liquigas in 2005 where he spent two seasons. Illness and injury saw him demoted to riding for smaller teams before joining a big squad such as Geox-TMC for the 2011 season.
He’s attributed Lance Armstrong’s story of overcoming cancer to become one of the most successful cyclists of all time, as the strength that got him through this difficult time in his life.