Some classic Italian marques just go to seed in their golden years, forgoing the integrity their name was built upon for the sake of a global market, but Tiziano Zullo keeps producing wonderful frames in his shop, the Columbus XCR stainless steel framed Vergine being one of them. This model was adorned with the regalia it deserves, the limited edition Shimano Dura-Ace 25th Anniversary groupset.

Tiziano Zullo has been producing frames for around 40 years and the experience is revealed in his craftsmanship and reputation for excellence. It’s fitting that one of the superlatives of the Italian frame building industry should have his frame graced with the elite Japanese groupset, Dura-Ace was introduced around the same time Tiziano began seriously wielding the torch. Pater Auer captured the moment the two of them came together, pre-ride, in the morning sun. I can almost smell the waft of roasting espresso. More details on Peter’s flickr stream.



















