Goodbye, Pirate
I just read some news that’s made me pretty sad. Marco Pantani has passed away. If you’re not a big cycling fan, you probably have never heard of him. He is — was — one of the greatest modern bicycle racers. His career was plauged by injuries and allegations of drug use, though he was never found guilty of any actual drug infractions.
He was one of the most powerful climbers of all time. In bike racing, it’s common for a rider to have one particular strength that they are known for. Pantani was undoubtedly one of the greatest mountain climbers the sport has ever known. He holds the world record for his ascent of the awesome Alpe d’Huez, a 2,500 foot climb with 21 hairpin turns in it. In fact, if you look at the top five best times for that ascent, there are only three names - Pantani, Iban Mayo, and Lance Armstrong.
Pantani is 1st, 2nd, and 4th.
Rest in peace, Signor.
February 15th, 2004 at 3:58 pm
I am deeply shocked and saddened by Pantani’s death.
My twin brother is a keen cyclist,having raced until a bad accident damaged his knees.Thus I have developed an interest in cycling,and have great admiration for cyclists dedication and extreme level of fitness….Indurain’s resting pulse of 27 is,um,scary !
What a sad and lonely end for a great cyclist.
February 16th, 2004 at 10:32 am
Holy cats, the man was only 34! Terrible & sad. I wonder if it was something like what Jos died of. I really hope it wasn’t the antidepressants.
February 22nd, 2004 at 4:07 am
I just sent an article to you from the Saturday paper on Marco…they do a “feature obit” every weekend and his was it this time.