Zoophilia Beasitality

Pantani vs Tonkov, praise of suffering


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

Gay Watch You Masterbate

Saronni vs Visentini , golden boys

If Francesco Moser was, Giuseppe Saronni, the rival town par excellence, Beppe Roberto Visentini found in a difficult opponent with whom he fought with no holds barred in two intense and beautiful tours of Italy. 83 got the better, despite the "yellow Guttalax. But 86 from Brescia you took revenge with the historical attack Foppolo. That
between Saronni and Visentini, both Class '57, was not a rivalry as fierce as that between Novara and the Trentino, but has inflamed the roads of the Giro as rarely happened between Italian riders. And in our cycling led to a transition from the duopoly that dominated the seventies and eighties the great duel of the nineties, the one between Bugno and Chiappucci.

AROUND 1983
Absent Bernard Hinault, the Tour of Italy of 1983 promises to be fought and balanced. Francesco Moser, who lives the darkest period of his career, is among the favorites along with Giuseppe Saronni, Gianbattista Baronchelli and Giovanni Battaglin. On the downside, however, quotes Robert Visentin.
The race begins with the Italians more dangerous as ever. Beppe through a period of excellent shape and wants to prove, once again, to be our strongest runner. And a Saronni in full maturity, has a head and legs to put in all.
The Giro starts badly, however: the preliminary time trial in Brescia is canceled because of a roadblock protest by some metalworkers. The first stage is therefore effective in the team time trial from Brescia Mantova, won by the Whites, with Swede Tommy Prim wearing the symbol of supremacy. Beppe
The first ring was not long in coming. In the sprint of Todi demonstrates his authority by winning for posting. And three days later, with third place in Salerno, the head of Saronni overthrows Contini standings. Leader, its gets a run defense, much quieter. Meanwhile, the group started to emerge hierarchies about who will be his biggest rival. At first, the contenders seem to be Bontempi and Argentina, but another runner, stage by stage, comes forward as a surprise, showed great qualities of long-distance rider and climber: Visentini.
And when, in the time trial from Reggio Emilia, Parma, Roberto came in second behind Beppe, it is understood that two of them will fight until the end for the win. Imposing in a sprint finish in Bergamo, Saronni wins precious seconds thanks to the subsidies, but the Alps and Beppe incumbent knows that Visentini in the mountains is the strongest. Attacks on the Dolomites from Brescia with determination, but can not find the inspiration to pull the winning leader. Staccato
over 1'30 ", so Robert must stake everything on the last stage, the timing of Udine in Gorizia: 40 km which will decide the 66th edition of the Giro. But the race day occurs the episode that will go down in history as "the yellow Guttalax" before departure, a supporter of Visentini would try to put drops of strong laxative Saronni in beverages, so as to affect its performance.
The attempt, however, fails, and the race is held regularly: Visentini be stronger than everybody, but at the end off Saronni only 32 ". Not enough and Beppe, four years after his first success in pink, he wins the Tour of Italy. After that fought
edition, the fate of the two going in opposite directions and if Visentini continues to improve, Saronni begins as a sudden unexplained loss of form and motivation. It's great coming back after the last leg of Moser Hinault, it was not until 1986, to attend the second round of the duel between Novara and Brescia. A comparison of beautiful and exciting as much as the first.

1986: SECOND ROUND
Around Part 12 May 1986 from Palermo to the American Greg Lemond as a big favorite. Visentini and Moser also enjoy the underdogs, while Saronni, after two seasons in vacuum, is expected a crucial test for his career.
His second place in the preliminary time trial, just a "sprinters, Swiss Urs Freuler, bodes well for his full recovery at high level. The clues to his excellent run of form has been confirmed three days later in the time trial, from Catania to Taormina, with his victory, Del Tongo-Colnago him into the pink jersey, but already the next day to transfer it to Baronchelli first posting to on the goal of Nicotera. In the following stage, reaching Saronni proves to be behind Lemond. And twenty-four hours later, you take the lead at the end of Cosenza-power, 251 km compelling closed in the first place by the finish line off Beppe Visentini that of 11 ".
Saronni controlling the race from the sample, but not Visentini spring. The first real attack him Robert May 23: very good evidence in his trial by Sinalunga in Siena, Beppe, however, holding, limiting the delay to 30 ". At that point the leader of the Carrera hopes in the Dolomites, there will attempt to go for broke. Beppe also knows, and so, to surprise, from Brescia played in advance of Foppolo forcing on the climb. The strategy is working: Saronni, surprised, and lags behind Visentini, third at the finish line, as it rose to a week after the conclusion of the Giro. It will be the decisive move. The Dolomites
play in its favor, because Saronni no longer has the strength to fight back. You might try the time trial from Piacenza to Cremona, but he Moser, author of a good tour, to triumph, presenting it to the ultimate success. The ranking, however, will not change any more. The last stage, June 2, goes to the Belgian Van Lancker, while Visentini won the Giro d'Italy. Saronni is second at 1'02 ", Moser third at 2'14". Roberto's dream chased by a life is a reality.


SARONNI STORY
Giuseppe Saronni, for all Beppe, was born in Novara September 22, 1957. Piedmont only by birth, grew up in Parabiago, near Milan, in a family of cyclists. Thanks to the brothers Alberto and Antonio, three-time Italian champion cyclo-cross (in the '79, '80 And '83), to bike races approaching young. It starts at the track, where refined natural gifts of speed and learn the tricks of the trade that will be useful both in the sprints on the road. From
junior European title comes to speed and amateur lands 1976 Olympics in Montreal where, Callari, is eighth in the test tracking.
pure talent and cross, collect the trophy and in 1977 to 127 claims, only 19 and a half years, passing the professional black and white jacket of the SCIC.
The big jump is February 23 at the Trofeo Laigueglia, traditional event of the season. It is second ahead of world champion Freddy Maertens. In
Scic Chiappa begin to indulge the "child" as they call it the old Marple sprint Gualazzini and Paolini, who predict a bright future.
first win among the professionals arrive March 29 at Trophy Pantalica, where there is a slight final climb, good soil for the natural explosiveness that has legs, which enable him irresistible jerky and dried, preferably long. Beppe beats Paolini at the finish line and Moser, in his opinion hampered by a motorcyclist. The future great rivalry with Trentino starts there, with the first debate.
Saronni is strong everywhere, time trials, hill climbs and sprint. It is competitive in both races a day, both in the Grand Tours. It's scary fast to the wheels, which is often placed against or at least on the podium.
In rookie season, 1977, captures 9 wins: Pantalica Trophy, stage and final standings in the Giro di Sicilia, Three Valleys Varesine Giro del Veneto, Friuli Tour plus three circuits. Of these successes, seven hits them before the age of 20 years. Only the Belgian Frank Vandenbroucke in modern cycling, can compare in terms of earliness.
debut in a classic North, the Flèche Wallonne, Beppe finished second behind Moser feed a duel, sometimes fierce, which will continue until 1986. The excellent results freshman lead the luxury coach of Italian national Alfredo Martini for the world to convene in San Cristobal, Venezuela, which will make a significant contribution to the victory of Moser. Saronni comes 9th, placing more than honorable for a rookie.
In 1978, the SCIC, Beppe begins to get serious. He's only 21 years old and already runs with the determination and the decision of a veteran: he won the Pantalica Trophy and the Tirreno-Adriatico in preparation for Milan-San Remo, who would win if it were facing the unleashed Roger De Vlaeminck, then curls Cup Agostoni, Giro di Campania, Giro di Puglia, 3 stages in the Tour of Italy and the 5th place overall. In the world of German Nurburgring, won by Knetemann on Moser, is a close 4th.
In 1979, the bitter season begins with two second places: at the Milano-Sanremo, yet behind his nemesis De Vlaeminck, the Flèche Wallonne and again, this time behind Bernard Hinault. But from there on it will be a string of victories: the Tour of Romandie, the Midi Libre, three partial successes, and ending at the Tour of Italy, the Championship of Zurich, the Gran Premio di Camaiore, the Three Valleys Varesine Trophy Baracchi couple, mass, Moser. Not to mention the second place at Paris-Tours and disappointment for the 8th place in the world of Valkenburg won by Raas. A total of 29 victories
do, none of which is comparable to his first Tour of Italy: only 21 years and 8 months, in fact, comes Saronni Rose Arena in Milan. That edition will decide the eighth stage time trial of the 28 km from Rimini to San Marino: Beppe winning village and the pink jersey, which will take until the end. The 19th and final stage is yours, the time trial Cesano Maderno-Milano 44 km, which defines the final posting on Moser, second at 2'09 "in the overall standings.
In 1980, with 30 victories, it appears a photocopy of '79, but with the colors of the GIS, his new team: another 2nd place at San Remo, this time behind Pierino Gavazzi, follows the first at the Flèche Wallonne, perhaps the classic Belgian Saronni love most, and Nillson before Hinault. Then came the successes Pantalica Trophy, Cup Bernocchi, the Giro di Campania, in the Grand Prix of Larchwood, Varese in the Three Valleys and the Giro di Puglia. The Tour of Italy is its seven stages and 7 th place overall. He graduated from the Italian champion, but retired at the World Championships Sallanches, France, swept by the azure Baronchelli Hinault.
81, won 24 races but few of prestige: the Bernocchi, the Camaiore, the Tour of Etna, the Trofeo Laigueglia and the Romagna. Instead many regrets, as the 3rd place in the Tour (with 3 stage wins), 50 "from the winner Giovanni Battaglin and 12" placed by Tommy Prim, and 2nd at the World Cup in Prague, beaten in the sprint from Belgian Freddy Maertens . Past
the Del Tongo Colnago, Beppe is about to experience the two best seasons of his career.
The 1982 opens with victory in the Trofeo Pantalica and Tirreno Adriatico. Continues with the Tour of Trentino, and after the 6th place in the Tour of Italy and three stage wins, successes in the Tour of Switzerland, and Agostoni and Coppa Sabatini in the Milan-Turin.
The highlight comes at the end of year: the World Cup in England, with what will go down in history as the "shot at Goodwood." Behind the goal, shooting close to the finish line to shake Lemond and Kelly won the rainbow jersey Adenau touched with fourth place and, above all, the second in Prague. Is not enough, with the colors of wins the Lombardy, which closes a magical season: 34 wins.
In 1983, after three second places, finally reaches the victory at Milan-San Remo, in front of Bontempi and Raas. Beppe tries also to the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, but you have to settle for 2nd place: the joke, playing in advance, the Dutch Rooks. Then came an encore in the Tour of Italy, this time stuffed with race and time trial with a few mountains in the final standings ahead of 1'07 "and 3'40 Visentini" Spaniard Alberto Fernández Blanco.
In 14 months, from February '82 to June '83, the best ever Saronni puts success in the series. Then, the perfect machine begins to falter: only 83 victories for the rest circuit and the following season, two stages of the Tour of Norway. After a 1984
of complete anonymity, made even heavier by the overflowing revival Moser (neorecordman time, first in San Remo and leaders in pink), Saronni seems to recover in 1985, when it requires a couple of stages in the Giro d ' Italy, the Pantalica, and other seven victories, however obtained on circuits.
is doing better in 1986: seven hits, including second place in the Tour (behind and in front of Visentini Moser) and the third in the world of Colorado Springs, USA, from light Moreno Argentin won over Frenchman Charly Mottet. Beppe is the swan song.
From '87 to '90 because he wins a few races and all second level: the Milan-Vignola 87, his fourth Varesine Three Valleys in 1988 and little else. Closes his career in 1990 with victory in the Tour of the Province of Reggio Calabria.
Saronni was a champion whose decline began too soon. A sunset sudden and unpredictable: of his 194 career victories - including 85 villages of stage races (24 in the Giro) and 49 circuits - the 170 has captured well before the age of 26 years. After
competitive activity has been in professional cycling as a manager. Under his leadership, Pavel Tonkov won the Tour of Italy '97. Sull'ammiraglia Lampre Daikin, in 2001 he repeated the experience of piloting the success in the Trentino pink Gilberto Simoni, in-laws of Moser. What better nemesis.


VISENTINI STORY
Bresciano in Gardone Riviera, where he was born June 2, 1957, as a boy, Roberto Visentini seems to start a great career. In 1975, junior, became Italian champion and won the world road of Le Chalet-à-Gobet. In 1977, an amateur, he graduated from the national time trial champion. Skip
professional in 1978, a year after the most illustrious contemporary Giuseppe Saronni, and start winning the first race of a certain level in the midst of the golden era of the future rival, between 82 and 83. An accomplished climber
, powerful long-distance rider and excellent chrono but Beppe than, less strong in the sprint and held on the level of psychological nastiness of racing, the young Visentini looks like the golden boy of Italian cycling, the Italian response to French champion Bernard Hinault for national tours.
It features a rider suited to all land make it the ideal rider for the big stage races, because it is capable of suffering, racing and training. Look at all obvious to someone who, unlike many of his colleagues, comes from a wealthy family. Visentini father could work in the enterprise, thriving company of undertakers, instead he chose the bike. His passion as a child.
Italian champion in the pursuit 1979, in 1980 he won two stages at the Vuelta, including the preliminary time trial and is participating for the first time in the Tour of Italy, ended in 9th place at 20'37 "behind winner Hinault but after running from the 7th to 13th in pink stage.
The following year, is the Sammontana and won the Giro del Trentino. In the pink for a stop, the 13th, the tour ends in 6th place.
'82 is the first Trofeo Baracchi paired with the Swiss Daniel Gisiger.
'83, won the Tirreno-Adriatico, is the great rival of Saronno, that precedes it in the standings only thanks to subsidies, as the actual time of Brescia, Udine-Gorizia first in the time trial, is lower than that of Novara .
also fight to win in '84 (second in the standings is up to three days after the end) but then hit by controversy in and out of the race, it sinks. Beautiful
protagonist in 85, eight days in pink, from the 4th 11th stage, seems poised to win the Giro, but he fell ill and left the race, then won by Hinault. The pink jersey
the conquest, this time until the end of the Tour in 1986, thanks to a brilliant start and the wise conduct of the race on the climb Foppolo, seven days a dall'epilogo Merano: Roberto takes the lead and maintains it, leaving behind Saronni (at 1'02 "), Francesco Moser (at 2'14") and Greg Lemond (on 2'26 "). Failures not abysmal, but faithful mirror of the great balance that has marked the race game on May 12 from Palermo to the preliminary time trial won by Freuler. When
, May 14, turn left Sicily, pink is a favorite, a champion who, after a few dark years, is looking for redemption: Saronni. The sample of Novara, but just in the continent will have to cede control unleashed Baronchelli. The May 17 shooting Beppe Roberto won the jersey and its power to the first fraction.
There begins a tactically perfect race of conduct that will lead to Saronni Visentini to remove the pink jersey at the beginning of last week's race, the days of mountains. And the Alps, over those peaks from Brescia admired as a child by "his" Lake Garda, will administer the advantage to win his only Tour of Italy.

THE BETRAYAL OF ROCHE
In the 1987 Tour of Italy, won the preliminary time trial of Sanremo, rose again in the 13th stage, thanks to the sensational trial Rimini-San Marino in which the above specialists Rominger and Piasecki. Visentini is firmly in the lead, but his team-mate Stephen Roche, contrary to the orders of ds Boifava, attacks him uphill. Roberto gets nervous, try to reach the Irish with a reckless conduct of the race, but falls and must say goodbye to the race.
Two days later, however, in the stage from Lido di Jesolo, Sapphire, team-mate Stephen Roche - which this year will win the Giro, Tour and World -, disobeying the orders of the ds Boifava, the surprise attack. Visentini breaks down the head and legs and is disconnected. The Irish dress in pink and Roberto dopotappa accuses him of having betrayed him. La Carrera splits, Visentin, with morale in pieces on the ramp leading to Pila in Valle d'Aosta, got into a serious fall and was retired. Roche, won the jersey in a questionable way, defends the safety and won the Giro with 3'40 "on English Millar.
Visentini If we had thought more, this tour might have been his. But Roberto was on the run so. If arguing with someone or was there something that he did not, could not be cold and detached. And the psychological tranquility lost was reflected on his athletic performance. One feature, those ups and downs, which prevented him from keeping the promises of Italian answer to Hinault and worthy heir of Moser and Saronni perhaps the most comprehensive Italian rider of that generation.
Instead, from that moment Visentini breaks down. La Carrera still believe in him and the Irish hunting Roche - winner of the Giro, Tour and World - but Visentini not win more. In 1989, the trial
Malvor, engages him in 1990 the Jolly Components, which team will close his career after winning 18 personal success.
Today she runs the family business, the funeral company which had preferred a boy, his passion for cycling.


GOLDEN BOYS OF ITALIAN CYCLING
Face eternal child, the ultimate anti-Moser: Checco was the character and the controversy, the cunning Saronni sprinting or shooting guard. How to Goodwood. At the time it was impossible not to take sides or between moseriani saronniani.
Visetnini is one with a rather different kind of rivalry. Someone accused of being a succhiaruote Saronni. In fact, together with a sample of race, it was just smart, opportunistic, intelligent and strong. Legs, and especially of the head. Even
Roberto had the numbers in the sample. But maybe not the same desire to excel, to react to adversity. The sacrifices not frightened, "leg" - as the jargon - had, but to make him probably the fault of the killer instinct, a gift in hand Beppe available in abundance.
The two golden boys of Italian cycling could have a career even richer and more prestigious, but the double duel in pink - ended in a draw - there was still permitted in the history of the Tour and in the hearts of fans. Sorry if it is little.
CHRISTIAN GIORDANO
ch.giord @ gmail.com

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Savoldelli vs Simoni, the Hawk and the Bear

edgy with that character, the desire to attack all and maybe not ever win, Gilberto Simoni is now one of the symbols of the Tour of Italy. Sometimes exaggerated, but this is part of the character: rough and controversial, but also loyal and generous. A real fighter, love cycling and climbing.
Antipersonaggio for excellence instead Paolo Savoldelli, the rival that flies downhill with no fear but to look too. Discreet, for the many unfortunate incidents, he never tamed. And even if enough sample authentic media.
Together, and often against each other, have written memorable pages of the Giro in the new millennium, it is to scommmetterci, others will write.


That day of reckoning in 2005 Tours of Italy is one of the most exciting seen in recent years and dedicates a new rivalry, all Italian, the one between Paolo Savoldelli and Gilberto Simoni. Two runners able to give their best in the mountains, but with contrasting styles and characters, running as in life: the first dominates downhill, the second uphill. Generous and brave, like the people in the race because you do not save or make calculations. Except that the number of free spins won: sin there, one for two for the Bergamo and Trento. More introverted and affable
the Hawk, the most aggressive and controversial "Gibo", the two roosters battle it seamlessly. The check that Savoldelli even the score at the end a grueling marathon of 3464 km and 650 meters, divided into 20 stages and only two time trials.
The pink race number 88 leaves from Reggio Calabria and the peninsula back in a hurry to find the places across the Stelvio and the upcoming Winter Olympics in Turin, climbing on the penultimate day of the race to the finish in Sestriere. It is a wonderful tour, but also "bad", severe and selective. For
Savoldelli, the so-called "doomsday" becomes one of triumph. "Baby Face," as fans call him by the face as a child, in fact, won his second Giro stage in its most beautiful, intense and full of surprises.
Paul keeps the jersey pink 28 "ahead of Simoni, after the tough mountain stage and long-awaited" Olympic ", repeating the first rose in 2002. But at Sestriere, the goal of 19 th village 190 km long starting from Savigliano, is the day of triumph, in part, for José Rujano, Venezuelan green jersey of best climber, which on the final climb off Simoni and Di Luca, thus gaining the deserved partial success.
Sull'inedita climb the Hill of windows (18.5 km leading to the 2178 meters with an average gradient of 9.2% and 7.9 km of dirt road), anything goes. Simoni and Rujano stretch immediately, while the excellent Di Luca leads the dances. Basso comes off, Savoldelli feeling the pinch then rises with its own way. The climb is terrible, the dirt gives feelings of epic cycling. At the top passes through the first Di Luca, Simoni and Rujano with a wheel. The leader of the Discovery Channel accumulate a delay of 2'20 "that delivers a virtual pink jersey Simoni (2 ° 2'09" in the standings).
But then there is the descent. In Falco likes resting 30 and sews up the hole with the help of the failure of Ardila and Simoni, thus leaving the green light to the Venezuelan Selle Italy. Trent comes to the finish line the 26 "delay Rujano, Di Luca - the victim of cramps on the last climb to the sixth - the third is at 1'35 ". Savoldelli comes to 1'55 "and 1'29 from Rujano" by Simon (which is the rebate of 12 ") and in the overall standings with 28 wins" on Simoni, 45 "and up Rujano 2'42" on Di Luca.
On the podium, three kings runners in 45 seconds. Only in 1974 there was more uncertainty when Merckx left Gibi Baronchelli to 12 "and Gimondi to 33".


SAVOLDELLI STORY
won two Tours of Italy, reserved and intelligent, Paolo Savoldelli got at his own expense to get there without too much pressure on the eve of a big race is an advantage. Even if you enjoy a better and would be unfair not to have once in a while 'annoys me.
Bergamasco Clusone, where he was born May 7, 1973, in 2002 he won his first Tour of Italy at the finish line with the company of Passo Coe, the first cut from Tonkov, when ripping the pink jersey to Evans and then defend it from Hamilton in the time trial to Monticello Brianza.
the Tour of 2005 and bring difficult than sull'inedito Hill of Windows. With Basso out of the game for the malaise suffered in the stage of the Stelvio, Paul rejects the attack Simoni, Di Luca and Rujano first with the intelligence and then with his legs.
In 2006, the year after suffering from allergy, placed a deviation of nasal septum, as passes Astana aims for big races stages.
Nicknamed the Hawk for the extraordinary quality of descent (in the specialty, one of the strongest ever), excellent long-distance rider and chrono-climber, go professional in 1996 thanks to Roslotto-Mg Furniture team led by Moreno Argentin.
The following season, the Ghirotto, is ranked 13th in the Tour of Italy in '98 and go to the Saeco team, which is even better: he won the Giro del Trentino and reaches 9 th in the Giro d'Italy.
In '99, again with the colors of Saeco, repeating the success in Trentino, requires the Laigueglia and submit to the Giro as a major antagonist favorite Marco Pantani. Paul won the 14th stage, the Bra-Borgo San Dalmas, ahead of almost 2 'the Pirate (new pink jersey). It is then in the second trial of Treviso, and after exclusion of Pantani in Madonna di Campiglio, it is for him to start with the symbol of supremacy in Tappone through the Cima Coppi Gavia door to Aprica. Paul, however, as a sign of solidarity with the sample Romagna, rejects the pink jersey before leaving on the ramps of the Mortirolo, the leadership of the Tour with Ivan Gotti. Unable to defend second place ahead of Milan just one second Gilberto Simoni, but is conscious of having missed a great chance.
In 2000, won the Tour of Romandie and a stage of the Giro del Trentino, is the Tour of Italy as a favorite but falls and closes the race in 24th place. Also participates in the Tour (where he arrived 41 °) but with physical problems in 2001 and only able to get back on track thanks to an osteopath in Parma. At the 2001 Giro
rarely comes from anonymity, is second in the penultimate stage with arrival in Arona, and concludes in the table 14 ° to almost twenty minutes behind the winner, Simon. After the Giro
seek him Lance Armstrong, but the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers on 11 September to destroy it. Paul signed a lucrative two-year the same, but with Deutsche Telekom, which was bereft of Ullrich, hunting is another tip for the Tour
In 2002, after four years at Saeco Index Alexia moved to Aluminium, the second floor but the team captain who is single. The Tour of Italy's leading street (doping) Garzelli and Simoni, and he took advantage of snatching the pink jersey Australian Cadel Evans. Savoldelli was not among the favorites, did not help the team, but above all with strength and tactical acumen finally achieving the success that had eluded him three years earlier.
The victory comes in pink thanks to the misfortunes that occurred to rival his former captain Simoni and Stefano Garzelli disqualified for a positive doping control, Wladimir Belli to punch a fan Simoni, Dario Frigo retired for physical problems; Cadel Evans crisis of hunger in the last stage of ascent, Tyler Hamilton tilt in the final time trial, Francesco Casagrande ejected for pushing a bicyclist to the ground.
Since then, however, to Savoldelli fortune turned its back.
In February 2003, during training camp in Tenerife with Deutsche Telekom, down from the bike Teide, crashing into a motorcycle that goes from the opposite direction. Savoldellli remains on the ground unconscious. When shooting, she finds herself in hospital with five fractures: nasal septum, upper jaw, a finger and thorny two vertebrae. The hospital in Bergamo, where it is transferred as soon as his physical condition allows, Dr. Losada's call together the bones, apply a rigid collar and a great way cerottone to cover the nose.
summer's here, he tries to regain confidence with the bike, he feels a persistent fatigue. At first blames the long period of inactivity. Instead, in a German hospital, where the leaders of the Deutsche Telekom do admit, diagnose a virus that's busted blood values: this has to stop again and start from scratch. Goodbye season.
In May 2004, at the start of the Tour of Germany, conclusive testing in view of the Tour, alongside Ullrich, meanwhile returned to the fold. But bad luck was lurking again: another fall and fracture of the radius was fractured, more head trauma.
Paul riding comeback in the late summer, dispute Trittico Lombardo and a decent ride with the first in Zurich, the World Cup. He wants to go to the Vuelta, but not even convene Telekom. Time to move air. After two years
very black, in 2005 the Discovery Channel. But bad luck has not yet abandoned. In January, while training with Captain Armstrong in California, broke the front wheel and ends on the ground: a broken collarbone, then sealed with a plate and nine screws. But Paul has his inborn hardiness Bergamo who does not know the word surrender. Doctors are categorical: a month without a bike. He, with a hint of recklessness, after fifteen days is already on the rolls, in three weeks on the road. In April, faced the first race, then head on friends Presolana ramps before the last test, in western Switzerland. Won
with the new team at the 2005 Giro Simoni, success that gave him the final consecration, he participated in the Tour as Armstrong's wingman. After contributing to victory in the team time trial, won the 17th stage.
After finishing fifth at the Tour of Italy in 2006, during which you require in the first trial and wearing the pink jersey, he was hired in August dall'Astana, the team of Kazakhstan, which takes its name from the capital.
In 2007 she won the preliminary time trial in Fribourg in the Tour of Romandie and then the 20th stage of the Tour of Italy, the chrono-Bardolino Verona. Its ambitions, however, the classification will be compromised, yet time, from a fall. Since 2008, racing for Team LPR Brakes along with Danilo di Luca, the leader of the Giro in 2007.


SIMONI STORY
Gilberto Simoni was born August 25, 1971 in Palu of Jupiter, the country's Francesco Moser, which is relative and for some features, such as courage and laggressività running, Lerede, although its best it gives in the mountains and not on the pitch or timing. Gibo
Nicknamed by his many fans and sometimes too warm in the last ten years has been one of the best Italian riders for stage races, winning two Tours of Italy (2001 and 2003) and reaching the podium in the Giro to five times .
Having reaped successes in series as an amateur (in 1993 winning the Tour of Italy baby, the national championship and Giro del Friuli), go pro in 1994 with the shirt of the Joker. Colorless closed five seasons, during which it is held back by physical problems and family losses, the team proposes in 1997, Cantina Tollo, to decrease the salary. In the same year the Mg Ferretti, won his first race (a stage in the Giro del Trentino), but is stopped for high hematocrit in the Tour of Portugal.
In 1998, contemplates quitting. To change his mind is the eighth place in the Lombardy.
In 1999, the Ballan with Flavio Miozzo flagship in the transformation. At the Giro, went down in history for the disqualification of the pink jersey, Marco Pantani, June 5, after the stage of Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino won the first of his seven podium finishes at the Giro: is third, at 3'36 "behind winner Ivan Gotti, and a second by Savoldelli.
Third place in the Tour of Italy and the Tour of Switzerland (where he won the stage Grindlewald) give the incentives to tackle the 2000 season with the air of the leader.
the Giro, the year of Jubilee, salt once again on the lowest rung of the podium (at 1'33 "behind winner Garzelli and 5" by Francesco Casagrande) after they attacked and won the Dolomites, in Bormio, the 14th stage . At
wins Vuelta stage with the finish in the top of the terrible climb and Port. Here comes the first national team, in Plouay. Simoni is triggered in the final but they are just some of his companions to fight back, bringing him under the group of pursuers.

2001, the first victory in the Tour of ITALY
In 2001 he won the Giro, but success is overshadowed by stories of doping and the blitz of Sanremo. Simoni attacked immediately, demonstrating courage and condition. Grab the shirt on Pordoi, defends in the time trial of Salò and settles by winning the decisive blow in solitary in the rain at Arona.
This edition is plagued by doping scandal involving, in particular, Dario Frigo, the main rival for Gilberto, who attacks in the first stage and then to Montebelluna Pordoipass, where he won that held the pink jersey until the end. Simoni is defended in the time trial of Salo, won by Frigo. On the eve of the stage of Sant'Anna di Vinadio, take the overnight raid in the hotel where the caravan pink in Sanremo. The result is disqualification and cancellation of the stage of Fridge dell'indomani (controls will continue into the night and the next day, in protest, the runners did not run). Remained the only star of the race, Simoni for the remaining stages are transformed into a long walkway to Milan.
At the World Cup Lisbon comes with the role of free batter. On the last lap shoot upward. Ullrich and the other big favorites are watching. There a moment of uncertainty and Simoni continues to gain seconds. A 5 km from the finish line is basically a world champion. A to sap their pursuers, however, thinks the blue Paolo Lanfranchi, who will say, after the race had not seen the shooting teammate. The group swoops on Simoni just over a mile. Spaniard Freire wins the sprint. It will be controversy throughout the winter season when the leaves Lampre for Saeco.
In 2002, requires in the stage of Campitello Matese, but must leave the Giro because of a positive (urine, traces of cocaine metabolites).

2003, THE TOUR TO A
the Giro del Trentino 2003, after being beaten in a sprint finish Moena by Stefano Garzelli, Simoni pulls out the nails in Ronzone pulling the opponent's 9 "and then caught the lead held until the epilogue of Arco di Trento. The victory in the Tour of the Apennines, where the beats on the record pace of striker, a record that belonged to Marco Pantani, Simoni makes the first favorite to win the Tour.
In the first stages of Giro Garzelli gives the impression of being able to tick, but when the going gets tough, Simoni leads blows at every opportunity. The pink jersey comes with a drain-trap to Faenza, and then start the show at high altitude. Before undertaking the Monte Zoncolan, the hardest climb in Europe, then the Alpe di Pampeago: first Simoni, Garzelli seconds. Even in the time trial of the leader of the Saeco Bolzano gains on Varese. And the advantage gained in the Dolomites becomes a chasm in the day from horde of Pontechianale, where the Trent hits the third and final seal requiring Toce Falls. Evidence against time in Milan is a formality for the team captain of Corti and Martinelli.
Gibo is the way to the Tour de France, but is now in difficulties, particularly the Alps now out of the standings, wins in the Pyrenees, the Tappone of Loudenvieille.

2004, THE CRISIS
2004 was a difficult season for Gibo. Saeco in the house explodes the phenomenon Cunego. At the Giro, Simoni wins a stage and wearing for four days, the pink jersey but bypassed by the young fellow, in the end had to settle for another third place overall. Within the team the relationship is not idyllic, and few seem to Gibo's side, at the end of 2005 signing for Saunier Duval Prodir, which will be one captain in the Tour of Italy, its stated goal of the Tour after rivinto 'Appennino. In
pink is the new star but has to settle for second place, spaced 28 "from the leader Savoldelli.
In 2006, again in the first row in the Tour of Italy and finishing third at 11'59 "behind winner Ivan Basso. Gibo and Piepoli are the only companion to embarrass the Varese, Simoni is particularly contentious in which the arrival of the 20th stage. A warm, Simoni says it no longer wants to run around and they probably would have retired, only to backtrack renewing the contract with the team. Then take part in the Tour de France, but without great results.
In the season finale begins to try their hand at mountain bike races and achieved success, the first of the big wheel, the path Rampilonga Classic Sept. 24 and won the top tricolor Italian championship marathon in Costa Folgaria. Climber with long
a physical relationship in spite of weak at first sight, Simoni, despite his age, still runs in his career as he always did: attacking uphill and words. And Savoldelli, continues to respond by Falco: dive, with its crazy descents, and in silence. Have, as of duels.
CHRISTIAN GIORDANO
ch.giord @ gmail.com