Video: Mac-awww... Michele Scarponi goes riding with a parrot on his shoulder

Astana rider Michele Scarponi has posted a video of himself out on a training ride with a rather unusual companion - a parrot perched on his shoulder with its plumage matching his team colours.

con l'amico Frankje pic.twitter.com/NjaMO8OOzc

— Michele Scarponi (@MicheleScarponi) January 7, 2016

Towards the end of the video, shot in Scarponi's birthplace of Filottrano in Italy's Marche region, the female blue and yellow macaw, called Frankie, pecks playfully at his helmet, prompting the rider to tell her to "stop it!"

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Frankie, aged two, is something of a local celebrity and last year hit the headlines after she went missing for several days.

When she was returned to her owner, Giacomo Luchetta, whom she believes is her mother, he said "she's well and wants lots of cuddles." 

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It's not the first time Frankie has joined 2011 Giro d'Italia champion Scarponi for a ride; here's a picture he took of her in February last year.

Oggi non eri in bici solo con l'aquila di Filottrano ma pure col pappagallo di Montoro...@BLancioni....ahahah pic.twitter.com/8SrpbTxqsQ

— Michele Scarponi (@MicheleScarponi) February 3, 2015