Fausto Coppi

Italian cycling legend and twice Tour de France and Giro d'Italia champion of the 1940s and 1950s, whose rivalry with Gino Bartali defined an era and made him the dominant force in post-war European cycling.

Fausto Coppi was cycling's first modern superstar, an Italian champion who dominated post-war cycling with a grace and excellence that made him a national icon. A two-time Tour de France winner and five-time Giro d'Italia champion, 'Il Campionissimo' (Champion of Champions) combined exceptional climbing with superb time trialling in a complete package that was unprecedented. His rivalry with Gino Bartali divided Italy.