Velotology Educational Series

Hello, Velotologists! 

Are you ready for another VES post? Let’s hope so because I am about to drop it… 🙂

Today’s article focuses on Felice Gimondi – an Italian professional cyclist nicknamed “The Phoenix.” 

Gimondi was the second cyclist ever to win all three Grand Tours, after Jacques Anquetil.

Below you will find interesting events from his life. 

Let’s roll.

Gimondi Was a Bike Messenger as a Kid

A wise man once told me “The earlier you find the passion that you are good at the better.” 

I was a bit too naive at the time to fully comprehend what that man was telling me. But today, I get it and fully agree.

Luckily for Gimondi, he satisfied the criteria as he discovered bicycling as a young kid. His mother was in charge of a post office, and little Gimondi would occasionally deliver mail on a bicycle himself. This was the beginning of his love for cycling – a love that would later blossom to epic proportions. 

Gimondi Had To Ask His Mother For Permission To Enter His First Tour de France

Gimondi’s first tour was legendary even before the start. At first, he wasn’t supposed to even participate since the spot was reserved for another member of the Salvarani team. However, the other cyclist dropped out (the reasons are unknown to me), and Gimondi gained the opportunity to join the largest cycling event. Before the race, he asked his mother for permission to enter the competition.

Why? It remains unclarified. But the most likely explanation is that entering the Tour de France was a big step and he needed the opinion of the people closest to him. 

The decision was more than correct as Gimondi won the Tour. Imagine winning the Tour de France on your first try…Many exceptionally good cyclists keep entering the competition for years without getting on the podium.

Gimondi Was The Second Rider On The Planet Who Conquered All Three Grand Tours

Very often in life athletes who peak early go into obscurity faster than expected. But this wasn’t the case for Gimondi at all. 

After winning the Tour de France in 1965 (he was only 23), he won the 1967 Giro d’Italia and the 1968 Vuelta a España – an accomplishment that made him the second man to win all three Grand Tours. 

Gimondi Made a Name For Himself During a Tough Era

Gimondi won many tiles (you can also add Paris–Roubaix, Milan–San Remo to the list), but what’s even more remarkable is that he was a champion during Eddy Merckx’s era. In other words, he had solid competition. 

Failed Drugs Tests

Just like other pros from that era, Gimondi failed a couple of drug tests (you gotta do what you gotta do to stay competitive). But the violations weren’t major.

In 1968, the officials found Fencamfamin in his system – a stimulant drug that is chemically related to amphetamines. (By the way, those were the major drugs at the time – steroids and EPO came later). 

But since Fencamfamin wasn’t on the list of banned substances, there was no penalty. 

In 1975, Gimondi tested positive again (I couldn’t find the exact substance) and suffered a 10-minute penalty at the Tour de France – and yet he placed 6th (still pretty good).

Gimondi Was Marco Pantani’s Advisor

Upon retiring, Gimondi worked for Bianchi and the legendary Mercatone Uno–Albacom team.

The Mercatone Uno–Albacom team was built by Davide Boifava around the popular climber Marco Pantani. The sponsor was Mercatone Uno (an Italian retail chain that was primarily known for selling furniture and home goods.).

Gimondi was among Marco Pantani’s advisors. In 1998, Pantai won the Tour de France and became the first Italian to lift the trophy after Gimondi’s 1965 triumph. 

Eddy Merckx Was Too Heartbroken To Attend Gimondi’s Funeral

Gimondi passed away on August 16, 2019, while enjoying a swim during his vacation in Sicily. His funeral took place on August 20 in Paladina, a town near Bergamo, and it was a significant event, with thousands of people coming to pay their respects. 

Among those who mourned his loss was his long-time rival, Eddy Merckx. Merckx chose not to attend the funeral because he was “too saddened” by the death of his friend.

In the end, Gimondi’s passing marked the end of an era in cycling, leaving a void not just in the sport but in the hearts of many who admired him. 

His legacy as a champion and a beloved figure will forever be remembered, reminding us of the fragility of life and the deep connections we share with others.