The Autonomy Programme is the Main Sponsor of the “Rancilio Cup 2011”

The Fiat Group Automobiles Autonomy Programme is the Main Sponsor of the "Rancilio Cup 2011", the renowned handcycling competition that will be staged at Parabiago (Milan, Italy) from September 22 to October 1. Over 140 athletes with disabilities from 19 countries - including Italy, Russia, Germany and Sweden - will compete in the prestigious event and racing on handbikes, special three-wheel bicycles propelled by the arms rather than the legs.

This will be the thirteenth edition of the event that once again will put the focus of the sporting world on the city which has been known as the true "capital" of handcycling since 2007 when, following the commitment of GS Rancilio it was picked as the venue of the first edition of the Handbike World Championship. The stars of this 2011 edition will be the athletes of the Italian National team (Alessandro Zanardi, Paolo Cecchetto, Vittorio Podestà, Francesca Fenocchio, Claudia Schuler and Mauro Cratassa) who in the recent World Championships in Denmark won three silver medals (Zanardi, Podestà in individual time trial and Cecchetto in the road race) and one bronze (Cratassa in the time trial event).

The Autonomy Programme will provide two Fiat Ducatos for transporting athletes and one Fiat Doblò Natural Power for transferring guests and organisers. A village will be set up during the event where many initiatives, shows and exhibitions will be staged for spending a few hours in the company of sport, fun and social commitment. The new Lancia Ypsilon will also be showcased at the Fiat Group Automobiles stand in the village. This "mini flagship", only 3.84 metres long, combines the best of Italian style, innovation and environmental friendliness. A 5-door version is now on offer for the first time, providing even more comfort for lovers of Lancia charm, technological excellence and unique style.

Powered by a revolutionary 0.9 Twin Air two-cylinder 85 HP engine, the car displayed at Parabiago was equipped by Guidosimplex with special devices complying to the principles of the Autonomy Programme, in which the company has been involved since 1995 for providing services and manufacturing individual and collective means of transport for those with reduced physical abilities, always in line with continuous product innovation and aimed at helping facilitating motoring for those with disabilities. Importantly, all Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia models can fit these special devices which are perfectly integrated in the passenger compartment without compromising ergonomics, passenger room, comfort and car safety. These complement standard controls, thus allowing everyone to drive using them. Additionally, the special equipment can be removed easily and the car can consequently be resold either as specially equipped or as a standard vehicle.

Participation in the "Rancilio Cup 2011" is perfectly in line with the commitment of the Fiat Group which, by means of many prestigious sporting events, aims at fighting prejudice and common assumptions: there is no such thing as "different" competitions, just "different" abilities, because all athletes have the same willpower to win and the same desire to overcome any obstacle. Confirming this commitment is the participation of The Fiat Group - Autonomy Programme as Main Sponsor in the Handbike World Championships (2007), the European "Ice Sledge Hockey" Championships (2007), the Italian Disabled Skiing Championships (2008), the Wheelchair Tennis World Championship (2008) and the Disabled Alpine Skiing World Championship (2009), in addition to having been Official Partner of the IX Paralympic Winter Games in Turin 2006.

Turin, 22 September 2011