Champion Cyclist. He was the last cyclist to win the Tour de France prior to Lance Armstrong. In addition to the Tour de France victory in 1998 he also won Giro d'Italia the same year becoming the first Italian to accomplish this feat since 1952. Nicknamed the "Pirate" for his hoop earring and the bandana that covered his bald head, he was a superstar in Italy. Fans would interrupt their workdays or vacations to find a television and watch the cyclist with the giant grin. His ascent up the 21 hairpin turns of the Tour de France's legendary L'Alpe d'Huez in 37 minutes, 35 seconds in 1997 stands as one of the sport's most respected records. Pantani died at a hotel in Rimini, Italy. The autopsy showed cerebral edema and heart failure.
Champion Cyclist. He was the last cyclist to win the Tour de France prior to Lance Armstrong. In addition to the Tour de France victory in 1998 he also won Giro d'Italia the same year becoming the first Italian to accomplish this feat since 1952. Nicknamed the "Pirate" for his hoop earring and the bandana that covered his bald head, he was a superstar in Italy. Fans would interrupt their workdays or vacations to find a television and watch the cyclist with the giant grin. His ascent up the 21 hairpin turns of the Tour de France's legendary L'Alpe d'Huez in 37 minutes, 35 seconds in 1997 stands as one of the sport's most respected records. Pantani died at a hotel in Rimini, Italy. The autopsy showed cerebral edema and heart failure.
Bio by: Ron Moody
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