This morning its time to meet a very special member of our Team -Marcello Cuttitta.
Marcello heads up our Italian Division!! And, for those of you who don’t know Marcello, he won 54 caps for Italy between 1987 and 1999, since then he has coached, currently with Amatori Milan. He also created the beautiful artwork you can see behind his photo.
There are many brothers who have the privilege to play for their national team together. Marcello along with his twin brother Massimo did so for almost 10 years, Marcello out on the wing while Massimo played as a prop. They also have an older brother, Michele.
After retirement from playing rugby, Massimo also coached, moving to Edinburgh Rugby for two seasons, as well as working with Scottish Rugby as a scrumming coach. Sadly, Massimo died from Covid-19 on 11 April 2021, aged 54.
In 2022 the Cuttitta Cup was created. It was designed and manufactured by Edinburgh Jewellers, Hamilton & Inches (who also care for the Calcutta Cup and crafted the Doddie Weir Cup). The handles for the cup represent two props, in Massimo’s memory.
The Cuttitta Cup is now played for annually in the Six Nations tournament, it was first played for 12 March 2022 in Rome and is currently held by Scotland.
The Dodd1e'5 Gr4nd S7am Team have been given the honour of transporting the match ball to Rome. The ball will be presented at the Palais Princier de Monaco - Prince's Palace of Monaco on Tuesday 5th March to Marcello, who then will be charged with its safe delivery to Rome and presentation at the Cuttitta Cup on Saturday 9th March.
The question is – who will have the cup on the 10th March?!
Here's a little more from Marcello:
Name: Marcello Cuttitta
Age: 57
Where are you from: Italy - Milan
Why did you want to get involved in this challenge?
Ian Barr invited me and accepted as i think its a great idea.
How long have you been cycling?
Very little!!!
What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of the trip?
Friendship & Charity
How important is it that we keep Doddie's memory alive?
Very important on this occasion, we will respect two great persons Doddie & Mouse (Massimo Cuttitta)
How important is it that we continue to raise funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation?
Very important for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
What has been the most inspirational aspect of this challenge so far for you?
The organization and Friendship with the people involved
What, ultimately, do you want to come out of this?
Obviously the benefit for the foundation and also the awareness to the foundation.
