To me, the bicycle is the ultimate bridge. It connects our health to our environment, and our local heritage to global sustainability. Having seen the world from the saddle—from the flat polders of the Netherlands to the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna—I believe that when we design cities for bikes, we are actually designing them for human happiness.
Nicholas Montemaggi is a destination management consultant for the Emilia Romagna Tourism Board, where he focuses on cycling-related projects and initiatives within the transportation sector. A "son of tourism"—born to an Italian father and a German mother—Nicholas naturally bridges the gap between Mediterranean culture and Northern European efficiency. His work within Italy’s "Sport Valley" recently included managing the digital communications for the hosting community during the 2024 Grand Départ of the Tour de France. Having previously lived in the Netherlands, Nicholas remains a partner at iambassador, a Dutch-based content creation agency specialized in sustainable tourism projects. As a dedicated Ironman triathlete, his perspective on cycling is deeply shaped by both his athletic background and his years immersed in Dutch cycling culture. This combination of experience in elite event communications, sustainable tourism, and endurance sports gives him a practical understanding of the bicycle as both a tool for performance and a pillar of urban living. As a Rimini local, Nicholas is excited to serve as Master of Ceremony for Velo-city in his home region, bringing a multicultural perspective to the global cycling stage.
