Marco Rondanini, a legendary professional cyclist for the Pao Pao Beer team with brown hair and blue eyes, dies by suicide before the story’s events. This tragedy acts as a pivotal narrative catalyst, profoundly impacting his former teammates—especially close friend Ciocci, who grapples with intense emotional turmoil. Ciocci considers abandoning cycling amid grief and existential doubt.

Marco’s enduring reputation as a cycling icon exerts psychological pressure on the Pao Pao Beer team during their Japan Cup preparations, compounded by heavy rain and team instability. His death underpins thematic explorations of athletic dedication, personal sacrifice, and psychological burdens in elite sports.

Functioning through absence, Marco exists as a figure of memory who shapes character motivations and thematic depth. His significant bond with Ciocci anchors the narrative, with Ciocci’s journey reflecting Marco’s legacy and the nature of athletic achievement.