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Welcome To Italy

Controvento
Ambassador

Every place has its own soul, and each ambassador is the voice that tells its story from the saddle. Our Ambassadors are passionate cyclists, lovers of their land, tireless explorers. They know every corner, every climb, every hidden view. They guide you not just with maps, but with their heart, turning your tour into an unforgettable experience.

Why Choose
An Ambassador?

Because there’s nothing better than being guided by someone who lives the place every day: they know the hidden roads, the best viewpoints, and the local spots where you can eat well. An ambassador helps you ride lighter (even mentally!), highlights the details you might otherwise miss, and adapts the experience to your rhythm, your curiosity, and your way of traveling.

They don’t just lead the way—they share stories, traditions, and small secrets that transform each ride into a deeper connection with the land. This is what makes the journey truly yours, truly personal, turning every kilometer into a meaningful experience rather than just another route on the map.

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Stephen Mooney

Wind on his face, free spirit, and steady cadence — Stephen Mooney embodies the spirit of going Controvento. Originally from Scotland, he has devoted his life to education and sport: after a degree in Chemistry from the University of Glasgow and years in the pharmaceutical industry, he found his true calling in teaching, becoming Head of Science at Cumbernauld High School over a 37-year career. Sport has always been part of him: once a football and rugby player, a knee injury led him to cycling, which became his lifelong passion. A long-standing member of the Glasgow Cycling Club, he has conquered legendary climbs across the Alps and Pyrenees, and continues to ride, volunteer, and inspire younger cyclists. Today he travels Europe with his wife Pauline and their bikes, trains regularly, and lives with the same curiosity, energy, and determination he passes on to his sons. Stephen’s authenticity and passion make him the perfect Controvento Ambassador — proof that the drive to move forward knows no age..

Controvento Ambassador Scotland
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Seth Pollack

Seth Pollack is a retired Professor who lives with his wife Naomi in Monterey, CA. He grew up in Boulder, Colorado and got his first bicycle (a 10-speed Motobecane) when he was 13 years old. He has been riding ever since. Whether living in New York City, the deserts of Mali, West Africa, the cobblestones of Bologna or along the beaches of Monterey, Seth is always on his bike, and especially happy when climbing hills. Seth loves travelling and learning languages; and has a special love for Italian wines, digestivo, and grappa. He has been partnering with Andrea and ControVento from the very beginning in 2023.

Controvento Ambassador California and Colorado
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Dennis Zuliani

Dennis is a retired executive, who was born and raised in Toronto. He now dedicates his time to family, friends and his passion for cycling. Since childhood, cycling has always been an important element of his life. After dedicating many years to raising his young family and coaching and participating in many of their sports activities, Dennis began mountain biking. This became a genuine pastime until 8-years later when he bought a new race bike. Twenty two years later, Dennis has had the privilege of scaling mountains in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, the Dolomites, Pyrennes, Cantabria, Catalunya and the U.S. You may have guessed, but Dennis is in his realm when climbing and that passion continues to this day! Dennis now spends a good portion of the cold Canadian winter months cycling in Nice, France or Scottsdale, AZ. He met and rode with Andrea in 2023 and promptly gained an appreciation for Andrea’s passion for developing and providing first class cycling and hiking experiences for clients.

Controvento Ambassador Toronto Area - Canada
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Gale Byrnes

Cycling has always been my way of connecting—with people, with the landscape, and with the feeling of freedom that only comes from the open road. Some of my favorite moments have been shared with fellow riders, discovering new places, stories, and laughter along the way. Based in New Jersey, I’m an avid cyclist and a personal member of the Princeton Freewheelers and Western Jersey Wheelmen. I’m honored to serve as a U.S. Ambassador for Controvento Italy Tours, sharing the joy of cycling and the spirit of adventure that connects riders across cultures. When I’m not on the bike, you’ll find me at home on my farm, tending to the animals, the land, and the gardens that keep me grounded. From open fields to open roads — U.S. Ambassador for Controvento Italy Tours in Princeton, NJ, avid cyclist, and devoted caretaker of my farm.

Controvento Ambassador Princeton Area - New Jersey
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Petteri Pyrrö

When not cycling, Petteri is a connoisseur project manager in IT sector, working with skilled professionals behind the desk and computer screens. He figured in his 30s that if he would ever start any sports, this would be the time, and chose cycling. It was love at first spin, and after 20 years, he is a connoisseur club ride captain, a cycling tour guide and event organizer. As he lives up north in Finland, Europe he also rides all year round and loves snowel as much as gravel! And he selects a weapon of choice from his garage: a road bike, gravel bike, mtb bike or a fat bike to suit the adventures ahead! Petteri has enjoyed cycling with Andrea in Emilia Romagna in 2010’s at the Dory Hotel, and now joins him with on Contrvento tours

Controvento Ambassador Finland
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Explore The
Best Paradises

We’re constantly creating exciting new cycling tours, and here you’ll find some of our latest trips that explore our favorite up-and-coming destinations across stunning Italy.

Booking Trip

Your Trip
Starts Here

Contact us to plan your next cycling tour or hiking adventure and experience Italy like never before.
We’ll take care of creating a tailor made experience for you, through breathtaking landscapes, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures, designed for fun, relaxation, and discovering the very best of our country.

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