Close to the record with the Embrace around the lake

“We got very close, but, unfortunately, we can’t confirm the record for the world’s longest complete human chain.” This was said by Lucia Sinigagliesi, one of the two judges who had come from London for the Embrace.

When she officially announced the result, she had just come off the helicopter of the Revenue Guard Corps, from which she had observed the whole embrace.

“From high up, the view was wonderful. There were so many people, but, unfortunately, in some parts, the chain wasn’t complete. You got very close, there wasn’t far to go, but I’m sorry I can’t confirm the world record. It was a fantastic experience. Varese is a very hospitable town, with an incredible landscape, and this was a great event.”

It is difficult to make a precise assessment of how many people there were along the 28 km cycle path around the lake. Initial estimates speak of 18,000 adults and children, including families and sportspeople. So many people made their contribution to form the human chain, but it was not enough.

“I think we can still say it was a success,” said the President of the Province, Dario Galli. “I saw so many people along the path, and there were lots of attractions. It was a great party, also because the embrace was only one moment during a great two days. Didn’t we achieve the record? So, we’ll try again next year, and we’ll be better after this year’s experience. I’d like to thank everyone that has worked so hard to organise everything, from the events to the embrace itself, not to mention the security. I’m happy all the same, even without the record.”

One famous participant in the Embrace was Ivan Basso, who presented President Galli with a pink jersey. The recent victor of the Giro d’Italia was making his first official appearance in Varese Province. “It’s great to share my success in the Giro, and this marvellous day, with my people. I’ve been to a number of sections of the path, and I’ve seen that the people are enthusiastic about this initiative.”