Milan, Italy - Corsa Classic announces the simultaneous release of two definitive titles dedicated to the heritage of classic cycling. Available worldwide from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, these books explore two pillars of bicycle history: the legacy of Universal brakes and the evolution of Bianchi’s top-end racing bicycles. Together, these two releases form a complementary and authoritative exploration of cycling history, one focused on the technology that stopped the champions, the other on the bicycles that carried them to victory. Both titles will be available directly from Corsa Classic website.
Universal: The Champions' Brake
For over half a century throughout the 20th century, Universal stood for quality bicycle brakes. Founded by the Pietra brothers, Eugenio and Carlo, the company left an indelible mark on racing bicycles and everyday touring bikes alike. Universal brakes were trusted by champions across generations—from Costante Girardengo and Alfredo Binda to Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, and later Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx, Vigna, Francesco Moser, and Vittorio Adorni. The book follows a story that unfolded across every type of race, from the great Classics to the Grand Tours, spanning heroic cycling through to modern times, and culminating in the major exhibition held in 2019 to celebrate the centenary of the company’s founding. Specifications: 170 pages · Paperback · 20 × 20 cm · English only · Printed in Italy
The Vintage Bianchi Book – Second Edition
A true bible for vintage cycling enthusiasts and Bianchi collectors, this second edition is dedicated to the evolution of Bianchi’s top-end racing bicycles from 1920 to 1990. Tracing seven decades of innovation, it documents how frames, components, and technology, most notably the pioneering work of Campagnolo, shaped the bicycles that defined an era. From standard production models to extraordinary Reparto Corse frames, the book presents 40 iconic bicycles once ridden by champions such as Fausto Coppi, Felice Gimondi, and Rudi Altig, alongside rare memorabilia. Every bicycle comes from the private collection of Carsten Rademacher, whose dedication has created one of the most complete Bianchi collections in the world. Photographed with precision and artistry by Dirk Rademacher, the book reveals technical details often inaccessible to the public. Specifications: Second edition · Softcover · 17 × 24 cm · Trilingual (English, Italian, German) · 300 pages · Over 500 photographs · Printed in Italy