Nino Borsari (1911-1996) was a dynamic personality, cycling champion, and community leader who rose from humble beginnings in Italy to become an icon of Little Italy in Carlton. A simple act of kindness in his youth set him on a course to greatness.
Born in Cavezzo, Modena, Italy on 14 December, Borsari overcame an impoverished childhood that did not involve his father or his mother after she married. Instead, he was raised by two aunts who encouraged his enthusiasm and drive. His life was changed forever when his benevolent employer gifted him a racing cycle and put him on a path to greatness.
He dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence and by the age of 20 won an Olympic cycling gold medal, translated that success into competitive cycling, created the iconic Borsari Cycles on the corner of Gratton and Lygon Streets, and ultimately used his profile for the greater good of the Melbourne community.
It was not uncommon to hear him referred to as the ‘King of Carlton,’ and the ‘Mayor of Little Italy,’ writes Ron Carter, who penned Borsari’s obituary.
Summer Olympic Gold Medalist
1932 Los Angeles. It’s the Olympics and Italy is up against France in the final of the 400 metres team pursuit in cycling. The four team members are Marco Cimatti, Paolo Pedretti, Alberto Ghilardi and Nino Borsari. What was initially a close contest saw Italy dominate towards the finish line to claim the gold medal for the fourth consecutive games since 1920.
Borsari’s love of cycling continued beyond the Olympics, placing in several Italian competitions after he turned professional. In 1936 he rode in the Giro d’Italia but it was the Centenary 1000 that brought him to Australia.
Borsari’s Australian Leg
In 1934, Borsari was invited to Australia to compete in the Victorian Centenary 1000. This week-long bike road race was a celebration of Victoria’s centenary and involved seven stages over a thousand miles (1,773 km.) Once again, Borsari’s enigmatic personality was a bigger winner than his considerable cycling skills, although that didn’t stop him from winning the alpine stage (Mount Buffalo to Omeo.) He finished fifth overall and was crowned “Champion of the Alps.”
He continued to delight Australian fans by competing in South Australia’s centenary event (1936) and raced often in Sydney in the late 1930s. He was competing in Sydney (1939) when the fighting broke out in Europe at the beginning of World War II. He avoided the internment camps as an investigation reported that Borsari had no political allegiances.
Ron Carter’s obit notes, “He sold his gold watch and cycle, hitchhiked to Melbourne (from Sydney), and found a job cycling on rollers at the big Myer department store.” Soon after (1941) Nino established the now iconic bicycle repair shop, Borsari Cycles, on the corner of Gratton and Lygon Street.
Summer Olympic Gold Medalist
1932 Los Angeles. It’s the Olympics and Italy is up against France in the final of the 400 metres team pursuit in cycling. The four team members are Marco Cimatti, Paolo Pedretti, Alberto Ghilardi and Nino Borsari. What was initially a close contest saw Italy dominate towards the finish line to claim the gold medal for the fourth consecutive games since 1920.
Borsari’s love of cycling continued beyond the Olympics, placing in several Italian competitions after he turned professional. In 1936 he rode in the Giro d’Italia but it was the Centenary 1000 that brought him to Australia.
Borsari’s Corner
Borsari’s Corner oversees Little Italy and is the famous Lygon Street bike shop on the corner of Grattan Street in Carlton.
Unable to return home due to the outbreak of World War II, Borsari established his bicycle repair shop in 1941. His fame, coupled with his brilliant showmanship led him to become a vital part of Melbourne’s rapidly growing Italian community.
He facilitated several cultural events and welfare activities and was instrumental in Melbourne’s bid for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games. He was also associated with founding the Juventus Soccer Club in 1948 and a multitude of other sporting events.
In the late 1940s, Borsari was immortalised in neon, riding his track cycle under the Olympic rings. The sign is emblazoned over Borsari Ristorante, which is next door to the Borsario Building, neighbouring Borsari Cycles.
Nino Borsari’s Lygon Street Legacy
Borsari’s legacy is permanently on display in Lygon Street. The neon sign carries heritage significance and Borsari’s Corner is a beloved Melbourne landmark. But beyond the concrete representations of this incredible athlete is the enduring legacy of an enigmatic personality who was friendly, funny, and always ready to help his community succeed, because their success was his success. Champion of the track and of the people.
