Marco Pantani, a cyclist who won the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in 1998, died on Feb. 14 from a cocaine overdose. He was 34.
After turning professional in 1992, Pantani won eight Tour de France stages and eight Giro stages. A member of the Carrera team, he wore the yellow jersey as Tour leader in six stages and donned the Giro's pink jersey 14 times.
Italy's most popular cyclist, Pantani was called "The Pirate" for the bandanna and earring he wore during races. His best season was 1998, when he won both the Tour de France and the Giro. Many considered him one of the greatest climbers of his generation. In all, he registered 36 victories.
Five years ago, Pantini's career went into a freefall when he was repeatedly accused of illegal drug use. In 1999, he failed a random blood test and was ejected from the Giro. He received a three-month suspended prison sentence in 2000 after being found guilty of sporting fraud by an Italian court.
A syringe containing traces of insulin was found in his hotel room during a 2001 police raid. Although Pantani claimed the syringe had been planted, he was suspended from professional cycling for eight months. Then in 2003, Pantani won an appeal against the sporting fraud conviction. He also spent several weeks at a health clinic that specialized in treating depression and drug addiction.
An amazing cyclist. A joy to watch.
Posted by x on February 20, 2004 3:38 PMHello from Italy! :-)
I made a tribute-website in memory of the great italian cyclist, Marco Pantani and I just wanted to indicate it to you.
Thanks for you attention,
Roberta
URL: http://it.geocities.com/vaipanta/
E-MAIL: vaipanta@yahoo.it
Please, leave your message for Marco on the Guestbook of "VAI PANTA!"
GUESTBOOK: http://it.geocities.yahoo.com/gb/sign?member=vaipanta
An amazing cyclist. A joy to watch.what can i say ?i cant i can only watch
Posted by rich on September 4, 2004 3:05 PMhi i'm Italian, i have created a blog for don't forget MARCO PANTANI http://milotyforpirata.blog.excite.it
Thank you
Milena
I have followed cycling for almost ten years and Marco Pantani was an integral part of my cycling enjoyment. I believe the world has lost a great man who did his best at everything he did. God Bless him and may he rest in peace.
Thank you.
Greatest i've ever seen!!!
Posted by Kuba on January 7, 2005 5:31 AMHe was special, he was different....he was the the pirate! He was my favourite...What a waste....Shalom Aleichem
Posted by Leon on October 3, 2005 2:07 PMIts a damn shame the cycling world has to suffer this great loss of The Pirate. R.I.P.
Posted by Ricky I love you Manuela on January 5, 2006 3:03 PMUno spazio per dire la vostra sull'operato del governo e dell'opposizione.
i love marco pantani he is great man.
Posted by taleb on December 12, 2007 6:06 PMI'm john from Egypt and I wathced the great racer Marco Pantani and I hope to be like him some day .
Posted by john manoly on April 13, 2008 12:53 PM