David,
That particular topic is a sore spot with both Eddy Merckx and Ernesto Colnago. I'm not in the least bit surprised he did not mention that part to Brett. I seem to recall Brett telling me something about that a while ago. I'm sure Brett could illuminate that subject if asked.
Just curious, but are you suggesting that maybe Mario did personally build bikes for Eddy and he and just forgot to mention it? I doubt it, unless Mario did something that angered Eddy, which I also doubt. It's more likely that Mario didn't actually make "lots of bikes" for the Cannibal. Maybe Brett can get the full on facts straight from Eddy at his next opportunity. But I recall Brett telling me that he asked Eddy about Mario and Eddys' responce was "I do not know a framebuilder named Mario Confente", or something very close to that.
Mario was the one who mentioned he built bikes for Eddy when we were working for Masi. Without crossexamination, I would take Eddys' word over Marios' at this point. I believe we are still in a position to make a reasonably certain determination if we are determined, but the invaluable involvement of several researchers, not the least of which is Brett Horton, will be required in order to be confinent of the outcome.
I would like to hear from anyone who knows anything about the details of Marios' time in Italy. Dates, names, places and everything. I know there is a fair amount of it out there, but I don't have time to look for it. If we can do this we can begin a timeline which will become the foundation of the story. Thanks in advance to everyone who can point me in the direction of information already gathered so I can get a feel for the relative value of said information.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
Listers and Listees,
Eddie Merckx rode a Windsor-labeled Colnago on his "epic" ride of 1972 (see CR website under Windsor) but didn't seem to mention that to Mr. Horton. Maybe he forgot. What else did he forget to mention? Just asking........
David Allen
Marietta, Georgia near the Big Chicken