Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs

UP: To ImagiNet, for constructing Cobra Engineering's prize-winning inCobra Engineering’s prize-winning internet site. For its effort, the Lisle, IIIinois, interactive web-development agency won “Creative Excellence” laurels at the International Web Page Awards. Site highlights include a “build your bike” section, where users can customize Stockers with assorted parts and accessories.

DOWN: To the Clinton administration, for including bikes on its tariff hit list. Brought on by a decade-long battle over European import restrictions on “hormone-riddled” American beef, the proposed 100 percent tariffs would target a long list of European products, including chocolates, mustard, foie gras, truffles, mineral water and motorcycles displacing less than 500cc. “Where’s the beef in motorcycles?” asked Washington, D.C., AMA rep Edward Moreland. Negotiations are ongoing, with a final decision slated for mid-July.

UP: To Pierlucio Tinazi, for putting the lives of others before his own. Amidst a catastrophic explosion in France’s Mont Blanc tunnel that killed 35 people, the 33-year-old Italian tunnel worker made repeated trips into the blaze on his motorcycle, saving 10 people before succumbing to the flames himself. Approximately 20 semi-trucks and 11 cars were destroyed in the fire, which was caused when a truck carrying flour and margarine exploded. “I consider him a real hero," said Tunnel Director Francesco Colombo. “He did his duty, and we are very grateful to him.” Opened in 1965, the 7-mile-long tunnel runs beneath Western Europe’s highest peak.