Marco Pantani – January 13, 1970 – February 14th, 2004
Marco Pantani also known as “Il Pirata” that’s “the pirate for you English speaking folks was one of the best climbers the sport has ever known during the modern cycling period. Marco received this great name for the bandana he wore and for his aggressive riding style often with brutal attacks up the great climbs of the Giro and the Tour de France.
However Pantani was ultimately (and sadly) known for drug allegations even when he rode “clean”. His greatest achievement was winning both the Giro and the Tour de France in the same year. Something that has not been done for many, many years, however even in what should have been his most shining moment in the spot light that is cycling the tour was and is known that year for the “festina scandal”. It is sad to think that when people think about the Tour in 1998 it is remembered for drugs and not the ride, especially if your winning.
After Pantani’s epic year in 98’ things seamed to fall apart for the Pirate. Falling a blood test in 1999 at the Giro Pantani withdrew from cycling and fell into depression. During this period he did remain popular with the Italian public and cycling crowd. In 2000 Marco entered into the Giro with poor results after not really preparing for the event in proper fashion. Several weeks later found Marco competing in the Tour de France with Armstrong. At this point Pantani was no competition for Armstrong however the Italian climber did make a huge effort to maintain pace with Armstrong up the feared Mont Ventoux. While the peleton fell quickly behind, the two men rode together to the top of the mountain and Armstrong “allowed” Pantani the win. This so called gift from Armstrong was not welcome by the Italian and only seemed to anger him even more. Days later Pantani did win a mountain stage dropping the Texan fair and square, this would be Marco’s last win.
The following years only seamed to worsen for Pantani, he raced very little in the years leading up to his death admitting himself into a clinic for depression in the summer of 2003. Months later in the winter of 2004 Pantani was found dead in a hotel room in Italy, the cycling public was deeply saddened. Fellow cycling star Mario Cipollini said “I am devastated. It’s a tragedy of enormous proportions for everyone involved in cycling. I’m lost for words.”
Thought the 2005 Tour de France Marco has been mentioned several times, and each time it saddens me.
- Fun Animation Of Marco Riding Up The Mountains
- Cyclingnews – Marco Pantani Story & Records
- TDF Blog – Pantani Archives
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