Passo dello Stelvio (Stelvio Pass) is a 2757 m high pass in the Alps. The ascent was introduced to the Giro d’Italia in 1953. That stage was won by Fausto Coppi
After Coppi’s untimely death in 1960, the organizers of the Giro d’Italia created a special prize for the climber who reach the top of the highest peak of the race first. The prize was introduced in 1965. Due to its height, this special climb is usually the Passo dello Stelvio.
But the 20th stage of the Giro d’Italia 1965 is more memorable by the epic snowy images of the day. Among extreme winter circumstances, the riders had to ride between steep walls of snow. They had to make their way to the finish like by dismounting and running with their bikes.
Like Aldo Moser on this iconic picture:
Because the current GC leader Vittorio Adorni had a comfortable 11 min 25 sec advantage already, the only thing he had to do was to defend his leading position.
The iconic stage was won by Graziano Battistini.
Bartali and Coppi together in the Dolomites (Giro d’Italia 1940)
Vitange cycling image of the day on PelotonTales: Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi in the Dolomites at Giro d’Italia 1940. Before Giro d’Italia 1940, Gino Bartali was already two-time Giro d’Italia (1936, 1937) and one-time Tour de France (1938) winner. He was the leader of the Legnano team in 1940, but had an ambicious and … Read more
Charly Gaul on the Monte Bondone (Giro d’Italia 1956)
Cycling in extreme weather: Charly Gaul on the famous stage 20 up to Monte Bondone at the Giro d’Italia 1956 Race director Vincenzo Torriani was asked to cancel the stage due to the rough weather conditions were forecasted. But he declined it, he may have thought, this could make the unexciting race exciting again. … Read more
Aldo Moser on the Stelvio (Giro d’Italia 1965)
Passo dello Stelvio (Stelvio Pass) is a 2757 m high pass in the Alps. The ascent was introduced to the Giro d’Italia in 1953. That stage was won by Fausto Coppi After Coppi’s untimely death in 1960, the organizers of the Giro d’Italia created a special prize for the climber who reach the top of … Read more
Eating pasta at the Giro d’Italia 1966
Gianni Motta, Vittorio Adorni, Jacques Anquetil and Felice Gimondi are having fun at the Giro d’Italia in 1966. The race was won by Gianni Motta ahead of Italo Zilioli and Jacques Anquetil. Related blogpost(s) Iconic Places: Puy de Dôme Cycling Who’s Who: Vittorio Adorni The first Vuelta-Tour double (Jacques Anquetil, 1963)
Alfredo Binda and his Legnano team mates at the Giro d’Italia 1929
Alfredo Binda was the scond Campionissimo in the history of Italian road cycling. He was the first rider to win 4 Giro d’Italia titles (1925, 1927, 1928, 1929). This picture was taken during the Giro d’Italia in 1929. After Binda has won his record breaking 4th Giro d’Italia, the organizers were worried about the race … Read more