Thanks, Don. I knew all the older guys the article mentions. Fritz Masanek was run down and killed several years ago while riding not far from his home. It was Joe Magnani who arranged the initial contact with Urago, and we imported them for quite a few years in my dad's shop in Chicago. The article was great! For some reason no one knew that Joe wasn't from Europe!. It was never talked about! I have photos of all the older guys mentioned from around Chicago. Great memories, that's when I started my racing career. Ted Ernst Palos Verdes Estates, CA
>
> On Feb 15, 2005, at 4:08 PM, Aldo Ross wrote:
>
>> Amazing! My long-time barber, 82-years-old Roy Barton, originally from
>> France, was incarcerated with Joe Magnani during the war. Roy came to
>> the
>> USA in 1947, and has
>> often asked me if I had any information about whatever became of Magnani.
>>
>
> The article mentions that Mr. Magnani was born here in LaSalle, IL. I've
> mentioned that to a number of people here in town before, but nobody knew
> anything about it. They were impressed, however, that a local boy made
> good. I think that Bicycle Guide did an article about him before.
>
> Todd Kuzma
> Tullio's Big Dog Cyclery
> Heron Bicycles
> LaSalle IL 815-223-1776
> http://www.tullios.com/
> http://www.heronbicycles.com/