Giro d’Italia vintage stories

Eddy Merckx on Blockhaus (Giro d’Italia 1967)

by
Eddy Merckx first stage victory 1967 Blockhaus7

Every road cycling legend, every great champion has that first epic moment that defines their career. The moment that takes everyone by surprise, yet deep down, everyone knows this cyclist was always capable to do it. In 1967 Eddy Merckx was already a two-time  Milano-Sanremo champion, after he repeated his success in previous year. He … Read more

Fiorenzo Magni and the Giro d’Italia 1956

by
Famous black and withe image of Italian cyclist Fiorenzo Magni, holding an inner tube between his teeth during the Giro d'Italia in 1956

You might have always wondered what is that strange picture of Fiorenzo Magni holding something between his teeth with an heroic effort displayed on his face. As most of the legendary cycling images, this one has its extraordinary backstory too. According to the pre-race predictions, Giro d’Italia 1956 was dubbed as the fight between the … Read more

The story of the Maglia Nera (Giro d’Italia 1946-1951)

by
Italian cyclist Luigi Malabrocca wearing the so-called maglia nera jersey awarded to the last rider of the general classification, at the Giro d'Italia 1947.

Between 1946 and 1951 a special jersey was awarded to the last cyclist in the general classification of the Giro d ‘Italia, called Maglia Nera. The idea came from a story in the 1920s. A football player, called Giuseppe Ticozzelli was such a cycling enthusiast, that he attended the race as an individual rider in … Read more

Giovanni Gerbi’s last Giro d’Italia

by
Giovanni Gerbi (1885-1955), iconic cyclists from the first half of the 20th century is posing with his bicycle.

Giovanni Gerbi (1885-1955) is the oldest contestant in the history of Giro d’Italia ever. He was 47 years old, when he attended his last Giro in 1932. The Red Devil Giovanni Gerbi, who earned the nickname “Red Devil” (Diavolo Rosso) was one of the most iconic figures of road cycling races in the early years … Read more

The cyclist who was paid to skip the Giro d’Italia

by
Alfredo Binda was paid to skip the Giro d'Italia in 1930

Alfredo Binda ( 1902-1986), the second “Campionissimo”of the Italian cycling dominated at the Giro d’Italia in the second half of the 1920s. In 1929 he managed to win the race for the 4th time (after 1925, 1927 and 1928). This was a new record then.

 

Alfredo Binda was paid to skip the Giro d'Italia in 1930
Alfredo Binda was paid to skip the Giro d’Italia in 1930

Read more