Stephen Mooney
Controvento Ambassador Scotland
Wind on his face, free spirit, and steady cadence — Stephen Mooney embodies the spirit of going Controvento. Originally from Scotland, he has devoted his life to education and sport: after a degree in Chemistry from the University of Glasgow and years in the pharmaceutical industry, he found his true calling in teaching, becoming Head of Science at Cumbernauld High School over a 37-year career. Sport has always been part of him: once a football and rugby player, a knee injury led him to cycling, which became his lifelong passion. A long-standing member of the Glasgow Cycling Club, he has conquered legendary climbs across the Alps and Pyrenees, and continues to ride, volunteer, and inspire younger cyclists. Today he travels Europe with his wife Pauline and their bikes, trains regularly, and lives with the same curiosity, energy, and determination he passes on to his sons. Stephen’s authenticity and passion make him the perfect Controvento Ambassador — proof that the drive to move forward knows no age.
Seth Pollack
Controvento Ambassador California and Colorado - (USA)
Seth Pollack is a retired Professor who lives with his wife Naomi in Monterey, CA. He grew up in Boulder, Colorado and got his first bicycle (a 10-speed Motobecane) when he was 13 years old. He has been riding ever since. Whether living in New York City, the deserts of Mali, West Africa, the cobblestones of Bologna or along the beaches of Monterey, Seth is always on his bike, and especially happy when climbing hills. Seth loves travelling and learning languages; and has a special love for Italian wines, digestivo, and grappa. He has been partnering with Andrea and ControVento from the very beginning in 2023.
Dennis Zuliani
Controvento Ambassador Toronto Area - Canada
Dennis is a retired executive, who was born and raised in Toronto. He now dedicates his time to family, friends and his passion for cycling. Since childhood, cycling has always been an important element of his life. After dedicating many years to raising his young family and coaching and participating in many of their sports activities, Dennis began mountain biking. This became a genuine pastime until 8-years later when he bought a new race bike. Twenty two years later, Dennis has had the privilege of scaling mountains in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, the Dolomites, Pyrennes, Cantabria, Catalunya and the U.S. You may have guessed, but Dennis is in his realm when climbing and that passion continues to this day! Dennis now spends a good portion of the cold Canadian winter months cycling in Nice, France or Scottsdale, AZ. He met and rode with Andrea in 2023 and promptly gained an appreciation for Andrea’s passion for developing and providing first class cycling and hiking experiences for clients.
Gale Byrnes
Controvento Ambassador Princeton Area - New Jersey - (USA)
Cycling has always been my way of connecting—with people, with the landscape, and with the feeling of freedom that only comes from the open road. Some of my favorite moments have been shared with fellow riders, discovering new places, stories, and laughter along the way. Based in New Jersey, I’m an avid cyclist and a personal member of the Princeton Freewheelers and Western Jersey Wheelmen. I’m honored to serve as a U.S. Ambassador for Controvento Italy Tours, sharing the joy of cycling and the spirit of adventure that connects riders across cultures. When I’m not on the bike, you’ll find me at home on my farm, tending to the animals, the land, and the gardens that keep me grounded. From open fields to open roads — U.S. Ambassador for Controvento Italy Tours in Princeton, NJ, avid cyclist, and devoted caretaker of my farm.
