Michael Von Grueningen a Guest at Safilo

Michael Von Grueningen, the winner of the Giant Slalom Ski World Cup and twice World Champion, was the guest of honor recently at Safilo, for which he has always been the testimonial.

The skier visited the world motorcycle championship paddocks at the Mugello Racetrack, and from the pits watched the victory of Luigi Cecchinello, the Safilo Oxydo Race team driver in the 125 class.

But yesterday Von Grueningen, together with his wife and son, went to the Safilo headquarters where he visited the Carrera product sector (the eyewear brand he wears) and met Samantha Tabacchi, the Group's head of communication, who gifted the champion a set of Murano table glasses.

'It was the first time I had seen a motorcycle race', said Von Grueningen, 'and I had a great time'. About his retirement, he commented, 'I had decided to retire after the Olympics, but I didn't do well also because of some trouble with my shoulder. I wanted to finish with flying colors, but it wasn't to be. I don't know if I have a successor, there are lots of good skiers. Perhaps not immediately, but in a few years' time there will be someone, maybe Swiss, who will match up to me'