Italian Premier Romano Prodi is taking advantage of his 10-day break from official duties to go for challenging bicycle rides around the Apennine mountains of northern Italy.
Sporting a blue cycling suit and blue safety helmet, the 66-year-old premier has been covering distances of between 50 and 60 km a day on his racing bike, tackling several steep hills on the way.
After finishing a 60-km stint on Monday, the former economics professor admitted that the months spent out of the saddle, first leading an election campaign and then being premier, had taken their toll.
"I'm more tired than I was yesterday. I'm still not fit," he said.
The cycling parties usually include the premier, his 70-year-old brother Vittorio, and a few old friends such as former cyclist Davide Cassani. The excursions start at around nine, stop for a light lunch in a country restaurant, and finish at around four.
Prodi's summer break began last Friday, when he drove out of Bologna with his wife Flavia to spend time with relatives at the big family house in the village of Bebbio, about 60 km to the west. On Wednesday Prodi will celebrate his 67th birthday in
Bebbio, with his children and brothers.
Next weekend he is expected to head off to the Tuscan coast for a few days, where he will stay until after the August 15 national holiday.
He appeared relaxed and in good spirits when intercepted by journalists on Monday as he finished his ride.
The premier, who has been a keen cyclist all his life, even went so far as to explain to a reporter from the Gazzetta dello Sport why he loves the pastime so much. "It's great. The more tired you get, the more you relax. The more you struggle going up a hill, the more you enjoy it when you come down the other side.
"It demands effort but gives joy in return."
