Marco Pantani «the Pirate»

Marco Pantani (13 January 1970 - 14 February 2004) was an Italian professional road bicycle racer.

He was born in Cesena, Italy, and became one of the most important and successful cyclists of his time. Pantani was known for his climbing skills and was often called "The Pirate" because of his shaved head and bandana, which gave him a distinctive appearance.

Pantani achieved his greatest success in the late 1990s. In 1998 he won both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, becoming only the seventh cyclist to win both races in the same year. This double victory made him a national hero in Italy.

However, Pantani’s career has been marked by controversy and accusations of doping. In 1999 he was expelled from the Giro d'Italia while leading the race because of a high level of hematocrit, which often indicates the use of doping substances. He faced multiple penalties and prohibitions throughout his career and his reputation suffered.

Tragically, the life of Marco Pantani has taken a downward spiral after his cycling career. She struggled with problems of depression and addiction and her decline was marked by legal problems and frequent hospitalizations.

On 14 February 2004, Pantani was found dead in a hotel room in Rimini, Italy, from acute cocaine poisoning. His death was a significant loss to the cycling community and he remains a legendary figure in Italian cycling despite the controversy surrounding his career.

The legacy of Marco Pantani is complex. Although his cycling successes were notable, his association with doping tarnished his reputation.

However, he is still remembered as one of the most exciting and talented climbers in the history of professional cycling.