Eberardo Pavesi: The Legendary Italian Cycling Pioneer

Eberardo Pavesi, nicknamed "The Lawyer", was an Italian professional road racing cyclist born on November 2, 1883, in Colturano, Milan, and died on November 11, 1974, in Milan. A true Milanese, Pavesi was renowned for his consistency and became a legendary figure in Italian cycling.

A Consistent Force in Cycling

Pavesi's career was marked by remarkable consistency. His primary focus was on stage races, with the Giro d'Italia being his favorite. Even as a very young rider, he made a significant impact, finishing an impressive sixth in the 1907 Tour de France.

Throughout his career, Pavesi consistently delivered strong performances. In 1908, he finished second in the Omloop van Noceto, a challenging 270km race. The following year, he claimed victory in the demanding 320km Giro dell'Emilia. However, 1910 proved to be a year of close calls. He was narrowly defeated in the Genoa-Nice race by Beaugendre and in the Italian Championship by Petiva and Ganna. Despite these near-misses, he secured a second-place finish in the Giro d'Italia, winning two crucial stages: Naples to Rome and Mondovi to Turin.

Team Triumphs and Records

Pavesi's talents extended beyond individual achievements. In 1912, he was part of the victorious Atala team that won the Giro d'Italia, a competition that was contested by teams rather than individual riders that year. His ability to work effectively within a team was instrumental in this triumph.

Beyond road racing, Pavesi also excelled on the track. In 1914, he set multiple Italian hour records, showcasing his exceptional endurance and speed.

A Legacy as a Directeur Sportif

Following his retirement as a rider, Pavesi transitioned into a highly successful role as a directeur sportif. He held this position with prestigious teams such as Bianchi (1920) and Legnano (1921-1966). During his tenure, he mentored and guided numerous Italian cycling legends, including Binda, Bartali, Coppi, and Magni.

A Lasting Impact

Eberardo Pavesi's contribution to Italian cycling is immeasurable. His consistency, his ability to excel in both individual and team competitions, and his successful transition to a directeur sportif make him a true legend of the sport. His legacy continues to inspire generations of cyclists.

Peter Luttenberger: A Brief Biography of the Austrian Cyclist

Peter Luttenberger was an Austrian professional road racing cyclist born on December 13, 1972, in Ratkersburg. He was a prominent figure in the cycling world during the 1990s and early 2000s.

A Promising Career

Lüttenberger turned professional in 1995 and quickly made a name for himself. His most significant victory came in 1996 when he clinched the Tour de Suisse. This impressive win positioned him as one of the rising stars in cycling. The same year, he also secured a commendable fifth place finish in the prestigious Tour de France.

A Doping Shadow

Despite his early successes, Luttenberger was unable to replicate these achievements in later years. His career was overshadowed by the persistent doping allegations that plagued cycling during that era. In 2013, a former teammate from the Rabobank cycling team accused Luttenberger of doping, a claim that tarnished his reputation and added to the growing skepticism surrounding the sport.

Legacy

Peter Luttenberger's career serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies that have marked the history of professional cycling. While his victory in the Tour de Suisse remains a highlight, his legacy is also intertwined with the doping scandals that have rocked the sport.

Long-Term Commitments: Cycling's Longest Contracts

Professional cycling is a sport marked by constant change, as riders move between teams and sponsorships shift. However, some of the biggest names in the sport have committed to long-term contracts, signaling their belief in both their teams and their own abilities. Let’s dive into some of the longest contracts in professional cycling.

The Future is Bright: Long-Term Deals 

Several top cyclists have signed contracts that extend well into the future, demonstrating a strong commitment to their current teams. These long-term deals often indicate a mutual belief in a successful partnership and provide both riders and teams with a sense of stability.

• Infinite Commitment: Wout van Aert has seemingly secured his future with Team Jumbo-Visma by signing a seemingly infinite contract. This unprecedented move solidifies van Aert's position as one of the cornerstones of the Dutch team.
• The UAE Emirates Dynasty: UAE Team Emirates has assembled a formidable roster with long-term contracts for riders like Tadej Pogačar, Pablo Torres Arias, Isaac del Toro, and Juan Ayuso. This strategy positions the team as a dominant force in the peloton for years to come.
• Other Notable Contracts: Riders like Jasper Philipsen, Mathieu van der Poel, Biniam Girmay, and Jonas Vingegaard have also signed contracts extending into 2028, showcasing the long-term vision of their respective teams.

Why the Long Contracts?

There are several reasons why teams and riders are opting for longer contracts:

• Stability and Planning: Long-term contracts provide teams with the stability needed to build around their star riders and develop a cohesive team culture.
• Loyalty and Trust: These contracts often signify a strong bond between rider and team, based on mutual respect and trust.
• Financial Security: For riders, long-term contracts offer financial security and allow them to focus solely on their performance.

Conclusion

The trend towards longer contracts in professional cycling is a testament to the growing importance of team cohesion and long-term planning. As these riders continue to develop their careers, it will be fascinating to see how their long-term commitments shape the future of the sport.

Dominating the Peloton: Tadej Pogačar’s Record-Breaking 25 Wins in 2024

The 2024 cycling season was marked by one rider’s exceptional dominance: Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian phenom shattered records, securing a staggering 25 victories throughout the year. This article will delve into Pogačar’s incredible achievements, as well as highlight the performances of other top sprinters and stage race contenders who left their mark on the peloton.

Pogačar’s Unprecedented Success 

Tadej Pogačar’s 25 wins in 2024 represent an unprecedented level of dominance in professional cycling. His ability to excel in both one-day classics and Grand Tours is a testament to his extraordinary talent and versatility. By securing victories in prestigious races like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and numerous one-day classics, Pogačar solidified his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

While Pogačar dominated the overall standings in many races, the sprint stages were fiercely contested by a group of talented riders. Tim Merlier from Belgium emerged as a consistent force, claiming 16 victories. His ability to outsprint rivals in a variety of conditions made him a formidable opponent. Mads Pedersen of Denmark, known for his power and tactical acumen, secured 12 wins, showcasing his versatility as a rider who can excel in both bunch sprints and hilly finishes.

Several riders demonstrated their versatility by achieving a balance of stage wins and overall classification success. Jonathan Milan and Aaron Gate each claimed 11 victories, highlighting their ability to excel in both time trials and road stages. Matteo Malucelli and Martin Laas rounded out the top performers with 10 wins apiece, showcasing their consistency and determination.

The 2024 cycling season was undoubtedly one for the history books. Tadej Pogačar’s record-breaking performance has set a new benchmark for dominance in the sport. While Pogačar captured the headlines, the contributions of other top riders, such as Tim Merlier, Mads Pedersen, Jonathan Milan, and Aaron Gate, added depth and excitement to the racing. As we look ahead to the future, it will be fascinating to see if anyone can challenge Pogačar’s extraordinary achievements.

Cycling Endurance: Who Raced the Most Days in 2024?

This article will delve into the remarkable endurance feats of some of cycling's top athletes in 2024. By analyzing the number of race days completed, we'll uncover the riders who consistently pushed their limits and demonstrated exceptional stamina.

The Iron Men of Cycling

The 2024 cycling season witnessed an intense battle for dominance, both in terms of stage wins and overall race standings. However, one often overlooked aspect of a rider's performance is their sheer endurance, as measured by the number of race days completed.

Several riders stood out for their relentless pursuit of competition, consistently lining up at the start line. Among the most prolific were:

• Patrick Gamper and Pavel Bittner: These two riders tied for the most race days in 2024, with an impressive tally of 89 appearances. Their ability to recover quickly and maintain a high level of performance throughout the season is truly commendable.
• Gijs Leemreize: Close behind with 88 race days, Leemreize demonstrated exceptional consistency and versatility, excelling in various race formats.
• Guillaume Martin and Thomas Champion: These riders also showcased remarkable endurance, with 87 race days each. Their ability to balance the demands of Grand Tours and one-day races is a testament to their physical and mental fortitude.
• Harold Alfonso Tejada Canacue and Christopher Hamilton: These riders completed 86 race days, highlighting the depth of talent in the peloton.
• Danny van Poppel, Quentin Pacher, and Bruno Armirail: With 84 race days apiece, these riders further emphasized the importance of endurance in modern cycling.

Factors Contributing to High Race Day Counts:

• Team strategy: Riders often support their team leaders, requiring them to compete in numerous races throughout the season.
• Race calendar: A dense race schedule can lead to increased race day counts.
• Rider ambitions: Some riders may prioritize quantity over quality, aiming to maximize their exposure and opportunities for success.

The riders mentioned above have set a high benchmark for endurance in cycling. Their ability to compete in so many races is a testament to their dedication, physical prowess, and the support of their teams. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if these records can be broken in the years to come.

Magnus Cort Dominates Veneto Classic 2024

 The Veneto Classic 2024 was a one-day cycling race held in Italy on October 20, 2024. It was the final race of the European cycling season. The race was won by Magnus Cort of EF Education-EasyPost.

Key Highlights:

• Cort's Victory: Magnus Cort broke away from the peloton early in the race and held on to win the race solo.
• Challenging Course: The race featured a demanding parcours with several challenging climbs, including the Muro della Tisa and Via Soarda.
• Competitive Field: The Veneto Classic attracted a strong field of riders, including several top-ranked cyclists.

Overall, the Veneto Classic 2024 was a thrilling race that showcased the talent and competitiveness of the world's best cyclists.

The Unparalleled Reign of Koichi Nakano: A Case for the Greatest Sprinter of All Time

The debate over the greatest track cyclist of all time is a passionate one, often centering around legendary figures like Harrie Lavreysen and Koichi Nakano. While Lavreysen has made a compelling case for himself with his recent string of victories, Nakano's decade-long dominance in the sprint discipline remains unmatched. This article argues that Nakano's unparalleled achievement of winning ten consecutive world sprint titles solidifies his position as the greatest sprinter of all time.

The Nakano Era

From 1977 to 1986, Koichi Nakano reigned supreme in the sprint discipline. His ten consecutive world titles are a testament to his extraordinary talent, consistency, and sheer dominance. During this era, there was simply no one who could consistently challenge him.

• A Level Playing Field: It's important to note that during Nakano's era, the sprint was the primary focus of track cycling championships. Unlike today, where riders compete in multiple sprint disciplines, the focus was solely on the sprint. This means that Nakano's dominance was achieved in a highly competitive environment where the best sprinters in the world were vying for the title each year.
• Consistency and Longevity: What sets Nakano apart is not just the number of titles he won, but the consistency with which he achieved them. Ten consecutive world titles is a feat that has never been repeated and likely never will be. His ability to maintain such a high level of performance over an extended period is a testament to his exceptional physical and mental attributes.

Comparing Eras

While it's tempting to compare Nakano to modern sprinters like Lavreysen, it's important to consider the different eras in which they competed. The sport of cycling has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in training methods, equipment, and competition formats. However, Nakano's achievement remains extraordinary because he dominated his era in a way that no other sprinter has.

Conclusion

While Harrie Lavreysen is a phenomenal cyclist and a worthy contender for the title of greatest sprinter, Koichi Nakano's decade-long reign of dominance in the sprint discipline is unparalleled. His ten consecutive world titles, achieved in an era where the sprint was the sole focus, are a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency. Until someone can match or surpass this incredible achievement, Nakano will rightfully hold the title of the greatest sprinter of all time.

Who do you believe is the greatest sprinter of all time, Harrie Lavreysen or Koichi Nakano? And why?

Neilson Powless Wins Japan Cup 2024

The Japan Cup 2024, the final race of the UCI ProSeries calendar for the 2024 season, delivered an exciting and competitive contest. American rider Neilson Powless emerged victorious, securing his second win in the prestigious Japanese race.

Race Highlights

• Powless' Triumph: Neilson Powless showcased his sprinting prowess, outsprinting his breakaway companions to claim the victory.
• Strong Field: The race featured a talented field of riders, including several WorldTour teams and top-ranked cyclists.
• Challenging Course: The demanding course, with its rolling hills and short climb, tested the riders' endurance and climbing abilities.
• Exciting Finish: The final kilometers of the race were filled with attacks and counterattacks, creating a thrilling finish.

The Japan Cup 2024 was a memorable race that showcased the talent and competitiveness of the world's best cyclists. Neilson Powless' victory solidified his position as a top contender in the cycling world.

Emile Daems: The Belgian Cycling Legend Who Defied the Odds

Emile Daems, a name synonymous with Belgian cycling's golden era, passed away on October 17, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in Genval, Belgium, on April 4, 1938, Daems was a diminutive but formidable rider whose career, though brief, was marked by extraordinary achievements.

Daems' cycling journey was as captivating as his personality. Despite being born in Waals Brabant to a family from the Kempen region, he became a true Brussels icon. His small stature belied his immense talent, and his tactical acumen and speed made him a formidable opponent on the road.

One of the most defining moments of Daems' career was his refusal to ride for Rik Van Looy at the 1960 World Championships. Daems had a personal connection to the Sachsenring circuit, having won an amateur race there three years earlier. Confident in his abilities, he opted to pursue his own victory rather than play a supporting role for Van Looy.

Despite being allergic to high-altitude racing, Daems claimed one of the most prestigious mountain stages in the 1962 Tour de France. His victory on a stage featuring the climbs of the Restefond, the Vars, and the Izoard was a testament to his versatility and determination.

Daems' palmarès includes some of cycling's most iconic races. He won Milan-San Remo in 1962, Paris-Roubaix in 1963, and two stages in Giro d'Italia 1960. His victory in the Giro di Lombardia 1960, which first included the fearsome Muro di Sormano, was another highlight of his career.

Emile Daems was more than just a talented cyclist; he was a symbol of independence and determination. His refusal to conform and his pursuit of personal glory set him apart from his contemporaries. While his career was cut short by injury, his legacy lives on as one of the most enigmatic and captivating figures in Belgian cycling history.

Harrie Lavreysen Reigns Supreme: Sets New World Championship Record

Dutch sprinter Harrie Lavreysen has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest track cyclists of all time. By claiming his 15th World Championship title, he has surpassed the legendary Arnaud Tournant of France to become the most successful rider in the history of the competition.

Lavreysen's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional speed, tactical acumen, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His dominance in the sprint events has been unparalleled, with victories in the individual sprint, team sprint, 1 km time trial and keirin.

The list of the most successful riders at the World Championships is as follows:

• 15 | Harrie Lavreysen (NED)
• 14 | Arnaud Tournant (FRA)
• 11 | Grégory Bauge (FRA), Chris Hoy (GBR)
• 10 | Florian Rousseau (FRA), Urs Freuler (ZWI), Koichi Nakano (JPN), Jeffrey Hoogland (NED)
• 9 | Cameron Meyer (AUS)
• 7 | Filippo Ganna (ITA)

Lavreysen's achievement is a testament to the rich history of track cycling, which has produced countless legends. His name will now be etched alongside the greatest riders of all time.

Jonathan Milan Smashes World Record in Men's Individual Pursuit

On October 18, 2024, Italian track cyclist Jonathan Milan shattered the world record in the men's individual pursuit. Milan's time of 3:59.153 at the Ballerup velodrome in Denmark eclipsed the previous record of 3:59.636, set by Filippo Ganna of Italy in 2022.

Milan's achievement is all the more impressive considering that the world record has been steadily decreasing in recent years. Ganna himself had broken the record four times since 2019. Milan's accomplishment demonstrates his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

The progression of the world record in the men's individual pursuit is as follows:

• 3:59.153 | Jonathan Milan | ITA | Ballerup (DEN) | 18 October 2024
• 3:59.636 | Filippo Ganna | ITA | Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (FRA) | 14 October 2022
• 3:59.930 | Ashton Lambie | USA | Aguascalientes (MEX) | 18 August 2021
• 4:01.934 | Filippo Ganna | ITA | Berlin (GER) | 28 February 2020
• 4:02.647 | Filippo Ganna | ITA | Minsk (BLR) | 3 November 2019
• 4:05.423 | Ashton Lambie | USA | Cochabamba (BOL) | 6 September 2019
• 4:07.251 | Ashton Lambie | USA | Aguascalientes (MEX) | 31 August 2018
• 4:10.534 | Jack Bobridge | AUS | Sydney (AUS) | 2 February 2011
• 4:11.114 | Chris Boardman | GBR | Manchester (GBR) | 29 August 1996
• 4:13.353 | Chris Boardman | GBR | Manchester (GBR) | 28 August 1996

As you can see, the world record has been steadily decreasing since Ganna first broke it in 2019. Milan's achievement is a testament to the continued progress of track cycling.

World record progression track cycling – Men's individual pursuit (sea level)

• 3:59.153 | Jonathan Milan | ITA | Ballerup (DEN) | 18 October 2024
• 3:59.636 | Filippo Ganna | ITA | Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (FRA) | 14 October 2022
• 4:01.934 | Filippo Ganna | ITA | Berlin (GER) | 28 February 2020
• 4:02.647 | Filippo Ganna | ITA | Minsk (BLR) | 3 November 2019
• 4:07.456 | Filippo Ganna | ITA | Przuszkow (POL) | 1 March 2019

Harrie Lavreysen: The New King of Track Cycling

Harrie Lavreysen, the Dutch speedster, has etched his name in cycling history by becoming the cyclist with the most world titles in track cycling. With an impressive tally of 14 world championships to his name, Lavreysen has joined Arnaud Tournant as most succesful rider in world championships track cycling.

Lavreysen's journey to the top began in 2018, when he claimed his first world title in the team sprint. Since then, he has continued to add to his collection, winning titles in various sprint events, including the individual sprint, team sprint, and keirin. His most recent world title came in 2024, when he won the team sprint for the sixth time.

Lavreysen's achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been praised by fans and experts alike for his skill and sportsmanship. He has also been recognized by the Dutch government, who awarded him the Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2020.

Lavreysen is still a young rider, and he has plenty of time to add to his legacy. He is a strong contender for the Olympic gold medal in the individual sprint at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. 

Most World Titles Track Cycling

• 14 | Harrie Lavreysen (NED), Arnaud Tournant (FRA)
• 11 | Grégory Bauge (FRA), Chris Hoy (GBR)
• 10 | Florian Rousseau (FRA), Urs Freuler (ZWI), Koichi Nakano (JPN), Jeffrey Hoogland (NED)
• 9 | Cameron Meyer (AUS)
• 7 | Filippo Ganna (ITA)

Giro del Veneto 2024: A Victory for Corbin Strong

The 2024 Giro del Veneto was an exciting edition of this classic Italian one-day race. In drizzly conditions, it was the New Zealander Corbin Strong of Israel-Premier Tech who emerged victorious. He defeated the Belgians Xandro Meurisse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) in a thrilling sprint on the slopes of Monte Berico in Vicenza.

Key Points:

• Course: The race took the riders over a distance of 165 kilometers from Verona to Vicenza, with a challenging course including the climb of Monte Berico.
• Weather Conditions: The riders faced rainy weather, making the race even more challenging.
• Marc Hirschi's Fall: The Swiss rider Marc Hirschi, one of the big favorites for the win, was unable to keep up with the best climbers in the final phase.

Why was this edition special?

• Unexpected winner: Although Corbin Strong is a talented rider, his victory was somewhat surprising.
• Exciting finish: The sprint on Monte Berico was very exciting, with several riders having a chance to win.
• Challenging conditions: The rainy weather made the race even tougher and resulted in a more selective race.

Rainbow Jersey and Multiple Victories in same year: A Rare Feat

Since 1970, a select few cyclists have managed to secure multiple race victories following their coronation as Road World Champion. The combination of grueling training schedules, the pressure to perform, and an increasingly packed racing calendar makes this achievement exceedingly rare.

The Modern Era: Data-Driven Dominance

Tadej Pogačar's remarkable 2024 season epitomizes this trend. After claiming the rainbow jersey, the Slovenian sensation went on to dominate the Giro dell'Emilia and Il Lombardia. The combination of talent, a well-organized team, and a data-driven approach has enabled riders like Pogačar to achieve such feats.

The Golden Era: Merckx and Co.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the golden age of cycling, several riders demonstrated the ability to string together multiple wins after securing the World Championship title. Eddy Merckx, the 'Cannibal,' was particularly prolific, adding five more victories to his tally in both 1971 and 1974. Felice Gimondi, Freddy Maertens, and Francesco Moser also achieved similar feats.

Why is it so difficult?

The combination of a World Championship title and multiple major victories in the same season is exceptionally rare due to several factors:

• Intense competition: The peloton is more competitive than ever.
• Specialization: Many riders specialize in specific disciplines, making it harder to excel in multiple areas.
• Packed racing calendar: The cycling calendar is crammed with Grand Tours and Classics, leaving little time for recovery.
• Psychological pressure: Wearing the rainbow jersey comes with added pressure.

The Future

Whether we will continue to see riders achieve multiple victories after winning the World Championship is uncertain. The sport is becoming increasingly professionalized, and competition is fiercer. However, it remains a fascinating question. Will a new Merckx emerge, or will we have to settle for sporadic flashes of brilliance?

Conclusion

Combining a World Championship title with multiple major victories in the same season is a monumental achievement.

Last World Champions who won two or more races before ending their season since 1970:

• 2024 | Tadej Pogacar (2)
• 1992 | Gianni Bugno (3)
• 1984 | Claude Criquielion (3)
• 1982 | Giuseppe Saronni (2)
• 1977 | Francesco Moser (4)
• 1976 | Freddy Maertens (5)
• 1974 | Eddy Merckx (5)
• 1973 | Felice Gimondi (3)
• 1971 | Eddy Merckx (5) 

Do you think we will ever see another rider achieve the same level of dominance as Eddy Merckx, winning multiple major races following their World Championship title?

Defying the Odds: The Longest Solo Victories in Monument History

The monuments of cycling are renowned for their grueling distances and challenging terrain, making solo victories even more impressive. Since 1975, several riders have etched their names into history with extraordinary solo performances.

Tony Rominger: The King of the Classics

Tony Rominger, a Swiss rider known for his exceptional climbing abilities, holds the record for the longest solo victory in a Monument since 1975. His 113-kilometer breakaway at the Giro di Lombardia in 1989 remains a testament to his dominance and endurance.

Modern-Day Marauders: Pogačar and van der Poel

In recent years, two of cycling's brightest stars, Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, have showcased their exceptional solo abilities. Pogačar's 48.5-kilometer breakaway at Il Lombardia 2024 was a testament to his incredible power and endurance, while van der Poel's 59.6-kilometer solo win at Paris-Roubaix 2024 demonstrated his versatility and tactical acumen.

A Century of Solitude: Charly Mottet

Charly Mottet's 100-kilometer solo victory at Il Lombardia 1988 stands as one of the most extraordinary feats in cycling history. His ability to break away from such a strong field and maintain a high pace for an extended period is a testament to his exceptional endurance and tactical skills.

As the sport continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if future generations of riders can surpass these legendary achievements.

Longest solo wins in monuments since 1975

1. 113 km | Tony Rominger | Giro di Lombardia 1989
2. 100 km | Charly Mottet | Giro di Lombardia 1988
3. 85 km | Bernard Hinault | Liège - Bastogne - Liège 1980
4. 80 km | Dietrich Thurau | Liège - Bastogne - Liège 1979
5. 60 km | Andrei Tchmil | Paris - Roubaix 1994
6. 59,6 km | Mathieu van der Poel | Paris - Roubaix 2024
7. 56 km | Philippe Gilbert | Ronde van Vlaanderen 2017
8. 53,2 km | Tom Boonen | Paris - Roubaix 2012 
9. 48,5 km | Tadej Pogacar | Il Lombardia 2024
10. 46,3 km | Fabian Cancellara | Paris - Roubaix 2010 

Who do you believe has the potential to break Tony Rominger's record for the longest solo victory in a Monument?

Il Lombardia 2024: Pogačar Dominates Again

Race Summary

The 2024 Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the cycling season, took place on October 12, 2024. The race was once again dominated by Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar, who secured his fourth consecutive victory in the prestigious Italian one-day classic.

Key Highlights:

• Pogačar's Solo Win: Pogačar showcased his incredible climbing abilities by launching a solo attack on the Colma di Sormano with 48.5 kilometers remaining. He rode away from the field to claim a decisive victory.
• Remco Evenepoel's Second Place: Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel finished second, 3 minute and 16 seconds behind Pogačar, demonstrating his continued strong form.
• Giulio Ciccone's Podium Finish: Giulio Ciccone of Trek-Segafredo secured third place, 4 minute and 31 seconds behind Pogačar. 

Other Notable Moments:

• Early Breakaway: A breakaway group of five riders formed early in the race but was eventually caught by the peloton before the final climbs.
• Pogačar's Record: Pogačar's victory marked his 88th career win and his 25th of the season, making him the most successful rider of the 2024 season.

Guido Carlesi: The Man Who Rode in Coppi's Shadow

Guido Carlesi, a name synonymous with Italian cycling during the golden era of the sport, passed away on October 2, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on November 7, 1936, Carlesi was more than just a cyclist; he was a living legend who carried the spirit of Fausto Coppi on two wheels.

Rising Star: Early Career

Carlesi's professional cycling career spanned from 1957 to 1966. During this time, he quickly established himself as a promising talent. His exceptional climbing abilities and time trail skills earned him comparisons to the legendary Fausto Coppi, earning him the affectionate nickname "Coppino."

Grand Tour Successes

Carlesi's most notable achievements came in the Grand Tours. In the Tour de France 1961, he secured a second-place finish and two stage victories, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. He also won seven stages in the Giro d'Italia and one stage in the Vuelta a España, solidifying his reputation as a consistent performer.

The Coppi Comparison

While Carlesi's talent was undeniable, he was often overshadowed by the immense legacy of Fausto Coppi. Despite his numerous victories, Carlesi never achieved the same level of overall dominance that Coppi exhibited throughout his career. However, this comparison did not diminish Carlesi's accomplishments.

Legacy

Guido Carlesi's passing marks the end of an era for Italian cycling. His legacy as a rider who carried the torch of one of the sport's greatest legends will continue to inspire future generations of cyclists. Carlesi's dedication, skill, and sportsmanship serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of cycling.

Conclusion

Guido Carlesi's remarkable career was defined by his talent, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport. Although he may not have reached the same heights as his idol Fausto Coppi, his contributions to cycling will never be forgotten. Carlesi's legacy will continue to inspire cyclists for generations to come.