Although this picture suggests it differently, but Bernard Hinault and Wladimiro Panizza were the two big rivals at the Giro d’Italia in 1980. Hinault finished first (this was his first of a total of three Giro-victories), and behind him with 5 min 43 sec, Panizza second. Actually the Italian rider wore the pink jersey for a couple days.
Bernard Hinault is quite well known for most of the cycling fans, but who was Panizza?
Wladimir Panizza (1945-2002) was a professial cyclist between 1967 and 1985. Usually raced as domestique for Felice Gimondi or Franco Bitossi, but he reached the peak of his career in 1980, when managed to finish Giro d’Italia 2nd behind Bernard Hinault. He also won two stages (in 1975 and 1978).
Panizza is also the record holder for the most Giro d’Italia participation. He started the race 18 times and completed the course 16 times.