Felice Gimondi

Felice Gimondi

Felice Gimondi was born on September 29th, 1942

Full Name: Felice Gimondi
Profession: Cyclist
Nationality: Italian
Discipline: Road Racing
Notable Wins: Tour de France, Giro dItalia
Career Team: Salvarani
Years Active: 1965-1979
Olympic Medal: Gold (1964)

Written by: Michael Rodriguez Michael Rodriguez

Felice Gimondi: The Phoenix of Cycling

Felice Gimondi is an Italian cycling legend, known for being the second cyclist in history to win all three Grand Tours of road cycling, including the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. With a career spanning over a decade, Gimondi cemented his place in the cycling hall of fame, earning the nickname "The Phoenix" for his incredible comebacks and dominant performances.

Early Life and Career

Born on September 29, 1942, in Sedrina, Italy, Gimondi was the son of a transport manager and a post mistress. Growing up, he frequently borrowed his mother's post bicycle and even helped deliver mail on it. This early exposure to cycling laid the foundation for his future success.

Rise to Fame

Gimondi's professional career took off in 1965 when he signed with the Salvarani team. His breakthrough came at the 1965 Tour de France, where he was added to the team at the last minute. Despite being a rookie, Gimondi took the yellow jersey on stage 3, eventually losing the lead but finishing strong in the final time trial.

This impressive performance earned him the recognition as a successor to fellow Italian cycling legend Fausto Coppi, nicknamed "campionissimo." Gimondi's career would go on to be marked by a fierce rivalry with Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx, but he continued to rack up an impressive palmarès despite the competition.

Grand Tour Victories

Gimondi's Grand Tour victories include:

He is one of only seven cyclists to have achieved this remarkable feat.

Cycling Monuments

In addition to his Grand Tour wins, Gimondi also won three of the five Cycling monuments:

He finished on the podium of a Grand Tour an impressive twelve times, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

Legacy and Impact

Gimondi's achievements have inspired generations of cyclists, and his legacy continues to be felt in the world of professional cycling. His determination, skill, and resilience have earned him a place among the all-time greats, and his nickname "The Phoenix" remains a testament to his ability to overcome adversity and rise to the top.

Felice Gimondi passed away on August 16, 2019, but his contributions to the world of cycling will never be forgotten.

Timeline
1942
Born in Italy
Felice Gimondi was born in Italy, where he would later become an Italian cyclist.
1964
Wins the Tour de France
Gimondi won the Tour de France, solidifying his position as one of the top cyclists in the world.
1968
Wins the Giro dItalia
Gimondi won the Giro dItalia, further cementing his reputation as a legendary cyclist.
1972
Retires from Professional Cycling
Gimondi retired from professional cycling, ending his competitive career.
2000
Inducted into the Giro dItalia Hall of Fame
Gimondi was inducted into the Giro dItalia Hall of Fame, a testament to his contributions to Italian cycling.
Felice Gimondi

Felice Gimondi Quiz

Felice Gimondi is known for achieving what rare feat in cycling?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What are Felice Gimondis most notable cycling achievements?
Felice Gimondi is a renowned Italian cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1965, the Vuelta a España in 1968, and the Giro dItalia in 1967 and 1969. He is one of the most successful cyclists of all time, with 79 professional wins.
How did Felice Gimondi become interested in cycling?
Felice Gimondi started cycling at a young age, inspired by his older brother, who was also an avid cyclist. He began racing as an amateur in 1962 and turned professional in 1965.
What are Felice Gimondis Olympic Games achievements?
Felice Gimondi represented Italy at the 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the team time trial at the 1964 Games.
How did Felice Gimondis career evolve after retiring from professional cycling?
After retiring from professional cycling in 1979, Felice Gimondi went on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur, owning a chain of bike shops and becoming involved in various cycling-related ventures.
What is Felice Gimondis legacy in the world of cycling?
Felice Gimondi is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, known for his impressive versatility and ability to perform in all types of races. He has inspired generations of cyclists and continues to be celebrated as a cycling legend.

Related People:

Eddy Merckx

80 Years Old

A Belgian cycling legend and iconic sports broadcaster, renowned for his unparalleled dominance in the sport, winning numerous Tour de France titles and setting multiple records.

Jacques Anquetil

92 Years Old

Bernard Hinault

71 Years Old

A dominant force in professional cycling, winning five Tour de France titles and three World Championships, earning the nickname "The Badger" for his fierce competitiveness.

Lance Armstrong

54 Years Old

A legendary cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, but was later stripped of his titles due to a doping scandal.

Greg LeMond

64 Years Old

Three-time Tour de France winner and pioneer in the use of aerodynamic equipment and modern training methods, known for his fierce rivalry with Bernard Hinault.

Marco Pantani

56 Years Old

A talented and troubled cyclist who won the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, but struggled with drug addiction and personal demons.

Fausto Coppi

Born in 1919

An Italian cycling legend and decorated war hero, known for his dominance in the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, earning him the nickname "Il Campionissimo" (Champion of Champions).

Gino Bartali

Born in 1914

A legendary Italian cyclist who won the Tour de France twice and helped Jews escape persecution during World War II.