The Tour of Italy in 1998 is the backdrop to a tight duel between Pavel Tonkov and Marco Pantani: The Pirate in the mountains and the Russian arm on each hairpin, but in the end will be violent and shots dried Italian to make a difference. Finally
in pink, Pantani is stronger than ever. Vince Giro and Tour in the same season, only a few historic double success of the past great Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Stephen Roche and Miguel Indurain. A company that makes it come right in the Olympus of world cycling.
After years of accidents and serious injuries, the phenomenal climber Cesenatico - worthy successor to Charly Gaul of Luxembourg and the Spaniard Federico Martín Bahamontes - cycling back to the enthusiasm of millions of fans. It succeeds as a running Like most people: alone and always on the attack. Casting the heart beyond the obstacle, pushing uphill pace for all but impossible for him, that when the road rears up to strength to minimize the agony.
The last to surrender a sample is complete and humble, which in Italy has found the ideal environment through which, two years before, became, after Eugeni Berzin, the second Russian to triumph in the Tour. The Giro was featured for three consecutive editions, the great races before with beating Ivan Gotti and then with Pantani. And always give the fans some unforgettable moments.
AROUND 1998, THE GREAT MATCH
That of 1998 had to be the Tour of Italy Alex Zülle, certainly not that of confrontation Pantani-Tonkov. Little real mountains, at the right moments, a nice chronometer to ruin the plans of the specialists of the climb. As in the penultimate stage, coincidentally scheduled in Switzerland: 34 km from Lugano Mendrisio that many saw as an already triumphant catwalk for the Swiss.
seemed drawn to him, and because Alex seems to jump on tour with the look and safety of the master, with the power of the sample mature and sure to win. Already in the preliminary time trial
French 7 km of Nice enough to put all in a row behind him. Alex takes the pink jersey for 12 days, and also won three stages. Few would have believed that for him the party would end as we approach the Alps
Instead, Pantani and Tonkov do only come right up to the mountains, then, 2 to 6 June, will create an incredible duel, a match of strength and cunning, and very classy of infinite desire to win. A derby of the climb that will remain forever engraved in the great history of the Tour and in the memory of fans.
the first rose
week that shows the cycling time trial starts from the heroic days of Trieste. On May 31 is the last day for peaceful Zülle, and on paper appears to be the day of his triumph inflicts on Pantani 3 "of posting for each of the 40 km race, and leaves behind Tonkov of 1'20". As a good Swiss Alex tries to put in the bank against time for the Giro then laurels in the mountains. But the leader's jersey just lay on him until the following day, the time needed to arrive at Asiago. On June 2 the Giro climbs in Val Gardena. Pantani breaks the delay. In those 215 km Marco Zülle overthrows his waist and began working the new rival, Tonkov. That's where the champions of Cesenatico begins to build his own myth. The Pirate
leaves on the Marmolada. Dry, as only he can do. Continues to produce sharp shots, short and terrible slap in the face of rivals throughout Italy, live or on TV, sees cash unable to respond. Not to stifle open mouth, arms locked on handlebar first Zülle Tonkov then watching the chamois of the Mercatone Uno fly away to the legend. And they can not help it.
In Selva di Val Gardena, let Pantani win Guerini and then sit back and wait for the others. Behind the two Italians is the void. For the first time in his career Mark is in pink, with a margin of 30 "ahead of Tonkov in the overall standings. The next day
Italy celebrates the new idol, but, back in the saddle, pay the impressive efforts made between the Marmolada and Sella. Pantani is not the same for the first 24 hours: no shots or solo breaks. He can not shake off the Tonov regularity. Indeed, at that Pavel is to throw the gauntlet challenge, going on to win at the finish line Pampeago right under the nose of Pirate, which appears in the reserve.
The sport is open war. But Russia - which in the overall standings to 27 hours chasing Pantani - pay with interest, the "stray inflicted on the Panta, what's on the ground more congenial to Italian: the ascent. Just wait for the next step, the Cavan-Montecampione.
the showdown
hobbling toward the finish line of Montecampione, all alone, Tonkov will have the opportunity to reflect on the touchiness of Pantani. And to think that up to 3 km from the finish resists Pavel attached to the wheel of Mark and then the real possibility of winning back the Giro, repeating the success of 1996. 3 more miles, then leave room for the big mountains of Lugano stopwatch. For Tonkov is almost done, because the clock knows to be superior to the Pirates. But it's over. Mark reads the critical situation and tries to go for broke. Or is it or nothing. Put the turbo on the pedals and let the Russian. And after 230 km (22 upwards), Tonkov yield. Pantani takes off, and the collapse of rival seems to find new energy. On the ascent of Montecampione there is the masterpiece of the Pirate: seen behind him, the other runners seem paralyzed. A historic step, epic. Decisive for the fate of the Giro. The forcing of Pantani is impressive: at the finish, the master of the run is accepted the roar of the crowd went crazy with joy and emotion. Marco arrives alone, Pavel is second, trailing by 57 ". Guerini will be the third in 3'16 ". Thanks to Pantani and Tonkov cycling is enhanced by a new great rivalry. And very strong emotions. THE TRUTH OF THE CHRONO
For Pantani in pink is the most difficult day on June 6. A separate series leader, who on Tonkov has an advantage of 1'28 ", the ultimate success are the 34 km of the penultimate stage. Few, but the hardest. The stopwatch Mendrisio-Lugano, placed after the last great mountains before the catwalk for Milan, is the classic wild card given by the organizers of the specialists race against time.
Tonkov (3 rd in Trieste) is one of those time trials are better at this chance and bet all his remaining hopes of winning the Giro.
For Pantani is a field day: wake up at dawn, breakfast, route reconnaissance. At 12.45 return to hotel for lunch: spaghetti, a slice of cake and two coca-cola. Nap and then off in the history of world cycling.
The first 10 km are flat, wide road, and often down. Worse than that Marco could not be. Tonkov already a foretaste of revenge. The imponderable is the case, and that can only be explained by the predominance of the psychological factor: driven by need and the pink jersey, which offers unimaginable energy, launched to fame has always dreamed of, the Pirate is also a lightning-trial. All'intertempo of 10 km is incredibly ahead of 9 "on Tonkov. The Russian is more powerful, but the Pirate is motivated. Perhaps more than the rival.
Then the path bends, includes 6.7 kilometers of curves that culminate in the tear in the final. Pantani for the worst is over, he can now relax. Tonkov has already done. In the classification stage, behind the winner and placed Gontchar Podenzana third surprise is precisely Pantani, who Tonkov trim 5 "even against the clock. A lesson in character on the day of triumph. Pantani won the Giro and on the wings of enthusiasm will be repeated after an exciting head to head with German Jan Ullrich, the Tour de France.
PANTANI STORY
Marco Pantani was born January 13, 1970 in Cesena, but grew up in Cesenatico. Soon abandoned the stock, receives a gift from his grandfather Sotero a bicycle and enters the GC Fausto Coppi, the local angle which shows excellent qualities of climber. The Tour of Italy was third amateur in 1990, second in 1991 and first in 1992, with about 5 'on Francesco Casagrande and Wladimir Belli. Became a professional in the Carrera in 1993 participating in the Tour of Italy of the great, but withdrew because of tendinitis.
Its explosion occurs at the Giro in 1994, closed in second place, with stage wins in Merano and Aprica (with the hard Mortirolo). To debut in the Tour, is third behind Miguel Indurain and Piotr Ugrumov and wins the white jersey for best young rider, but without partial successes.
Those arriving at the "Grande Boucle" in 1995, Alpe d'Huez stage in the Pyrenees of Guzet Neige. For Mark, the other white jersey and 13th position in the standings.
the World Colombian Duitama, Pantani was third behind the Spaniards Abraham Olano and Indurain, but the Milan-Turin is hit by an SUV and the tremendous impact fracture his left leg in two places.
After nearly enough to say at the races, Marco back in the saddle at the Tour of Italy 1997, but the descent from the pass of Chiunzi, a gray cat crosses the road and knocks him, forcing him to retire.
Pantani recovers in time for the Tour, where the long struggle for the yellow jersey, winning the Alpe d'Huez again (which sets the record time of climbing) and for the first time in Morzine. The most powerful Jan Ullrich, however, is imposed due to timing, and on the podium in Paris Marco is third behind the German and the Frenchman Richard Virenque.
the double-TOUR 1998 TOUR
1998 is the magical year of Pantani. It requires the Tour of Italy, however, the route with a few mountains and many kilometers time trial. Memorable stage of Plan Montecampione when Mark with Alex Zülle now in crisis (ends 14th), repeatedly attacked the tenacious Pavel Tonkov which transfers after an exciting duel. The Pirates won the stage and earn a minute, the margin even increased in the last time trial, in which trim 5 "in Russian. On the podium in Milan, Pantani is first with 1'33 "to 6'51 and Tonkov" on Giuseppe Guerini.
At the Tour, Ullrich beat Pantani, pulling nearly 9 'in the historic mountain Tappone arriving at Les Deux Alpes. The German responds by attacking the next village, but the gap is unbridgeable and Marco is the first Italian to win the Tour since Felice Gimondi, first in 1965.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END
The life of a sample of Cesenatico is forever changed at the Tour of 1999 On the morning of June 5 in Madonna di Campiglio, it is firmly in pink and has already won four stages in the doping control which have a rate of non-standard hematocrit: 52 %, +2% to the maximum allowed by regulation, which provides for a tolerance of 1%. Pantani was suspended for 15 days, and then excluded from the race. At the news, in a hotel with a fist smashes a glass and say the words, read in hindsight, look like a testament not only competitive, "I got up after so many injuries and returned to run ... This time, however, we've hit bottom ... Rise will be very difficult for me. "
BEYOND
Marco waiver to the Tour de France, which will return in 2000. While far from the top of the class, challenge Lance Armstrong on the climb of Mont Ventoux terrible. In a beautiful stage, with an incredible frame public Pantani loses ground initially and then recovered off the American, who riagguanta and, at the finish line, it lets you win. Armstrong says the public and the proud Pantani it does not go down. To teach him a lesson in the harsh attacks him Marco village of Courchevel climb the fugitives (the last to surrender will be the poor José María Jiménez) and went on to win by himself, pulling Armstrong 51 seconds. Nobody had ever succeeded and no more than succeed.
is the latest gem of an exceptional career but already broken. The next day, in the stage of Morzine with hard Col de Joux-Plane, which came shortly before the finish line, the Pirate attacks have reached the first climb, trying to blow up a tour already written perhaps repeating the company completed the first two years on the Galibier . The lack of collaboration with peers and escape an attack of dysentery forced him to retire, however.
In 2001 and 2002 he took part in the Tour of Italy but with poor results. The last lightning are the Giro in 2003, closed to 14th place. During the stage of the Monte Zoncolan, Marco reacts at the click of Gilberto Simoni, who had removed all. Stefano Garzelli is the only one to hold the crazy rhythm of the Pirate, that it spends too much and end up fifth. Cascata del Toce in the stage of shooting a 3 km to go before being taken up by Simon and finish eighth. In June 2003, Pantani
enter into a clinic to treat the syndrome of Padua is suffering from depression for some time and that led him to drug addiction.
On February 14, 2004, was found dead in a residence in Rimini and in mysterious circumstances. The autopsy revealed that death was caused by a cardiac arrest resulting from an overdose of cocaine.
Tonkov STORY
Serio, undemonstrative, very strict. Especially with himself, not to stop improving. Albano transplanted to St. Alexander, in so many years had elapsed between the province of Bergamo, where he lived with his wife, Daria, was born in Madrid, and the first son Nicolas, and Spain, where he resides, Pavel Tonkov has lost some of the classic coldness Baltic and acquired a more typically Mediterranean.
Russian is a safe rider, never arrogant, but aware of his own, immense resources. A runner built a little at a time, with the numbers in the legs of the captain and the iron discipline in the psyche of Red Army that prohibits any shot, pretentious in any action then - inevitably - will repent.
a successful program, yes: one that when you put in head a goal does not stop until he has achieved. And the rich collection is its ample proof. THE RUSSIAN SCHOOL
Professional done since as an amateur, Tonkov lives a common sport in human history and many young East. Born in Ichevsk, a ghost town at the foot of the Ural Mountains notorious for the manufacture of Kalashnikov, Pavel is the son of Sergey, engineering, Monday to Friday in which round weeend salary dacha building, and Nadeszda, who works at the hospital.
in 1977 comes close to swimming, with good results in the styles on the back with the team and free citizen. The bike comes three years after it is a gift of his first coach, Oleg Blinov. With that dream, blue, heavy 13 kg, won his debut at the age of twelve Ciaikovskj. Bravo uphill sprint and time trial: the arms race for more than the lad seems born to ride.
In 1984, then move to the Olympic Center in Samara, where the waiting coach Petrov and a tough regime: wake up at dawn, training, lessons, gym and track.
A BOY GOLDEN
In 1987, in Bergamo, he won the world championship road in the junior category. Technical success that many Italians still remember: with a flight of 45 km and the victory, with their arms up with 40 "lead, dedicated" to all the Soviet people. " In the same city
Lombard will Tonkov then the construction work and his second home. In Bergamo, also runs the 70 km team and won the silver medal. And professionals, having won over a hundred races as an amateur, came in 1991 with Russ
Balkal Victor Kapitonov (who was Olympic gold in Rome '60). A year later he reveals in one of his favorite races, Bergamo Week: won two stages and the final results, then repeat that success in 1996 and 1998, when the race is now open on "his" streets will be renamed the Settimana Lombarda .
AN ASSIGNMENT TO SIXTEEN BIKE
As always, Ernesto Colnago has demonstrated that the eye along in agreement with the pair-Algiers Saronni does it engage the Lampre-Polti. In return, Russia will be 16-Balkal bike produced by the great master-craftsman. In 1992
Tonkov debut in the Tour of Italy and dreams of emulating Claudio Chiappucci, idol who believes "a protagonist, a great warrior." This goal was attained: the emerging Russian wins the white jersey for best young rider and the 7th in the standings.
Pavel does not disappoint even the odds on the next lap. At 24 he remains the strongest young man in the Giro and improves the placement of two positions achieved last season. In addition, it often comes up in front of his captain Maurizio Fondriest, which he foresees a bright future: "In two years Tonkov win the Tour» Iris is the prediction Renaix '88. It will be a good prophet, but a year late.
In the Tour of Switzerland, Pavel won the village of Vevey is his first success as a professional. The joy, however, leaves room for early pain on his return from a workout, near Bergamo, is hit by a car and fractured his patella in his right knee.
After two operations and endless sessions in the gym for rehabilitation in 1994, back in the race. Coming just two wins stage, one at Bergamo and the other week in the Midi Libre, where second place in the final standings.
But the next season is the real stepping stone to the big stage races. Tonkov wins the larger the Tour of Switzerland and finds himself. The Russian classification gives the decisive kick in two stages from the finish. In the mountains, his beloved land together with the time trial, challenge the idol of the house and Alex Zülle dethrones by removing the gold jersey at the finish line in La Punt. It is the first Russian to win the biggest stage race in Switzerland, will soon be the second to take root in Italian.
With the knowledge that they have finally hit a result that counts, Pavel program good approach to the Giro in 1996. Week Bergamasca he wins - which takes up to three partial successes - and his Romandie is a stage. Then make the rematch in the Tour of Italy, after it was in '95 finished sixth but in practice running with one leg and half by the car crash two years earlier.
TOUR VICTORY AT 1996
Uphill from the early fractions weighing, the Giro 1996 he is the strongest. Always try to go away on its own, perfectly in tune with his team-mate Wladimir Belli. The first twist comes in Monte Sirino, the stage that starts from Amantea. Tonkov loses sprint with Rebellin, but off Olano and Zaina. The ride goes quietly up to 1615 meters Prato Nevoso, where Russian Rebellin takes revenge by pulling in the pink jersey. The determination of Pavel annihilating every opponent, including the old fox Ugrumov, with only accelerating in the final progression "impossible" that, 3 km from the finish, the group disintegrates. Spectacular action, irresistible flow with a step and never look back. In those three kilometers you take the Russian stage and leaving Ugrumov mesh to 2 ", Zaina to 21", Olano and Rebellin to 33 ". But in the 13th
fraction Tonkov builds the ultimate success: the defense along the 63 km time trial ending in Marostica is another masterpiece. Paid, however, with the crisis in the rise of Pordoi, which cost him the pink jersey, which went to world champion Olano for only 46 hundredths of a second. Then, in Cavalese-Aprica, the Russian attack on the Mortirolo 4 km from the Pass, with Olano, and Zaina Ugrumov that reel. Goes on the run with Ivan Gotti, it leaves the stage, and take the tour. Brave
to Prato Nevoso, suffering and triumph on the Gavia Aprica: Tonkov, one and three, is the second Russian in pink in Milan, two years after the forerunner Eugeni Berzin. On the podium him company Zaina, a 2'43 ", and Olano, at 2'57". Ugrumov was fourth at 3 '.
AROUND 1997, THE RELIEF A
the Tour de Romandie 1997, Tonkov takes a step and the ultimate success. The Tour of Italy, brings air of ca. At the third village, the uphill time trial from Saint Archangel in San Marino, the Russian flies along the challenging 18 km over 34 km / h on average. It is the first moment of truth between the pretenders to the throne is Berzin also king in the Giro in '94, this time close in second place, 21 behind his compatriot. Petito is the third in 32 ", followed by Leblanc, Ugrumov and Gotti, climber, against time, could hardly do better. Ditto for Pantani, 11th, with whom he expects great battle in the mountains.
Tonkov master and back in the third stage - from Arezzo to Terminillo, always rising - puts on a show. Out of the generous attempt to Contrini and small, went on the run for over 100 km, Tonkov called bare the rivals react Leblanc, Pantani and Gotti, Berzin gives a crash, while Pavel hits his second partial success.
Eleven days long is the dream of Tonkov enjoy an encore in pink. While a fall in the village of Cava de 'Tirreni put out Pantani, Pavel ride from leading up to Cervinia, where the deposed Gotti climb the leaderboard. Tonkov reach the top pick in the standings to fifth and 51 "from the new leader.
The duel again later when Tonkov tries to mend the breach in the time trial of Cavalese, 40km tailored for him and for the special bicycle designed by Colnago. It is the same as that used in the Russian western Switzerland, but the jury president's calls for change. On the day of the specialist Gontchar, Berzin is found and finished second, Pavel gnawing just 14 "to Gotti, the pink jersey which provides additional energy. In
Predazzo-Falzes us also puts a fall to ruin the plans Tonkov that the Tonale attacks three times the pink jersey but resists. The pride of the Russian, who flew in to Edolo wins his third stage ignites the final tour, but it belongs to Gotti. On the podium in Milan, Pavel, seconds, this time smiling bitterly. The
happen a year later, when Pantani beat will be the greatest, what's in a month will double in the Tour de France.
TOUR 1998, LOCATED BEHIND THE PIRATE STRONGER
The great victory in the mountain stage that finishes in second place and Pampeago that smacks of resignation. This is what the Pirates left the Russian in the Tour of Italy '98. This much is clear from the statement of stroke Tonkov concluded: "A Tour'm super behind Pantani is not to throw away ...." Pavel's season ends with the fall in the Trofeo Melinda: fracture of the coccyx.
THE SUNSET AND THE FATE
In '99 Pavel skip the Giro to aim for the Tour, with the podium as the minimum target imposed by Squinzi, owner of Mapei, where the squadron Tonkov campaigning for two years. In the "Grande Boucle", Pavel had participated in '94 and '95, but never finish it, let alone put into practice his three rules to win, "Be careful the first week, all the way to go to trial and even stronger in the mountains. " In
This year attacks on the Tourmalet, respond Etxebarria and Elli, who over the pass for first in the top of the Soulor and sull'Abisque, while behind Virenque is to pull the group with the yellow jersey Armstrong. The three fugitives are reached at 35 km from Pau. At the 17th stage Pavel retired, freeing the faithful Nardello. It's fate in France, the best Tonkov you will never see.
Pantani was a pure striker. His victories were born in height, with repeated shots and solo action. Even Tonkov, the stronger the pace and timing of Mark, was an excellent climber. His perfect power to weight ratio allows it to face the uphill pushing very hard relationship. At the 1998 Tour sanctioned direct confrontation the superiority of Romagna, but the Russian - who went strong for three years - was able to ignite the race until the last rose. A merit not just for Pavel. Not everyone know how to challenge a legend.
CHRISTIAN GIORDANO
ch.giord @ gmail.com
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