Interesting cycling story from WWII
Posted by: Marky Mark on 09 May 2014
With the Giro in flow again, a chance to celebrate again all things Italian and cycling related.
Fotheringham's wonderful book on Fausto Coppi brought to life the deep rivalry Coppi had with Gino Bartali. The two changed batons as the top cyclist of the time. This piece I came across on Bartali offers an insight into the man and the dark period for Europe in which he rode.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27333310
Iconic image of Bartali and Coppi sharing a drink. They even argued over who had passed the bidon to the other afterwards. Probably to sell even more copies of the Gazzetta to an adoring public who lapped it all up.
Going to read more on Bartali. Have found there is a biograpy available which also expands on his clandestine efforts to save his countrymen. His must have been quite a life. From humble beginnings to being feted as TdF winner and then into wartime. As a top cyclist, everyone would want to see his bike close-up and get their mitts on it. Must have been nerve-wracking. To his great credit, he humbly hushed up his efforts for the rest of his life.
Was strange but good to see the Giro finish in Belfast today. Here is a pic of more familiar territory - the great Cima Coppi, the Passo di Stelvio:
