Italy

Exciting sporting facts

A ball game for three players
As early as 300 BC, the ball game 'Trigon' was played in Roman baths. Three players stood at the corners of an equilateral triangle and passed the ball to each other with the palms of their hands. The players were not allowed to leave their positions but could, through feinting manoeuvres, leave their opponents in doubt as to which one the ball would pass. The ball wasn't allowed to touch the ground.
Initially, 'Trigon' was a game only for members of the high society, especially for ladies, youths and older gentlemen. Often they would bring servants, friends or slaves to the game. Three people would be in charge of collecting the balls, and three others were responsible for keeping scores.
In time, 'Trigon' became very fashionable. Luxury mansions had special 'Trigon rooms', there were 'Trigon trainers', and professional players competed at 'Trigon championships'. Even the emperor played the game, and offered prizes for the most skilful players.

Extraordinary records
Underwater cycling record
On 12 April, 2000, Vitriol Innocente 'cycled the longest distance under water ever', in a swimming-pool in Chiavera. He cycled 1,200 metres in a record time of 23 minutes and 54 seconds. Innocente's mountain bike was weighted down by 35 kilograms of lead and by wheels filled with water.

Caravan of bicycles
The until-then 'biggest bicycle event of all times' was the Valine Pedala in Udine in 2000. 48,615 cyclists circled the city on a 29.3 kilometre long circuit.

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