Fausto Coppi: Cycling
Angelo Fausto Coppi (September 15, 1919 – January 2, 1960) was a legendary cyclist and was remembered for being a five-time Giro d’Italia winner and a two-time Tour de France winner. He was the dominant international all-around racing cyclists, excelled in climbing and time trialing. Coppi was also a great sprinter. He first earned his racing license in 1938 and won his first race at Castello d’Orba.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Fausto Coppi won the 1940, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953 Giro d’Italia; the 1949 and 1952 Tour de France and the 1953 World Championship. He also won the Giro di Lombardia five times, the Milan –San Remo thrice, as well as Paris-Roubaix and Le Fleche Wallonne while setting the hour record in 1942.
Why Was He So Good?
Coppi earned the nickname, Il Campionissimo or “the champion of champions” – he was the first modern champion and the first to win the Giro and Tour in the same year. He was the master roadman – positive, composed and fully certain of himself. Coppi’s elegance, ability and willful drive to succeed were clear. And triumphed, he did.
What You May Not Know
- He joined the army of the 38th infantry when Italy entered World War II. He was sent to North Africa then was taken as a prisoner by the British in 1943. In 1945, he worked for an officer at Caserta. He was released and cycled and hitched lifts home.
- On July 8, 1945, he won the Circuit of the Aces in Milan after four years away from racing.
- Coppi died of malaria but in 2002, a man said that Coppi died of a cocaine overdose. The case was opened but later closed for insufficient evidence and information.
Related Pages
- More Cycling athletes
- About Cycling
- Athlete Database home
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