Gino Bartali’s breakthrough at Giro d’Italia 1936
In the pantheon of cycling legends, Gino Bartali stands out not only for his remarkable achievements but also… Read More »Gino Bartali’s breakthrough at Giro d’Italia 1936
The birth of a legend: Passo dello Stelvio and its dramatic nitroduction to the Giro d’Italia
In the rich and storied history of the Giro d’Italia, few moments shine as brightly—or as chillingly—as that… Read More »The birth of a legend: Passo dello Stelvio and its dramatic nitroduction to the Giro d’Italia
The day cycling nearly froze (Gavia Pass, Giro d’Italia 1988)
In the storied history of the Giro d’Italia—a race synonymous with suffering, spectacle, and sublime scenery—one stage stands… Read More »The day cycling nearly froze (Gavia Pass, Giro d’Italia 1988)
A battle of seconds (Giro d’Italia 1974)
In the long and storied history of the Giro d’Italia, few editions have left as lasting an impression… Read More »A battle of seconds (Giro d’Italia 1974)
The colourful and fascinating world of road cycling history from a point of view of a literary critic.
Vintage road cycling stories - a blog by Anita Pethő
IN FOCUS :
THE HISTORY OF GIRO D'ITALIA
The cyclist who was paid to skip the Giro d’Italia
Italian cyclist Alfredo Binda was widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of his era, particularly in… Read More »The cyclist who was paid to skip the Giro d’Italia
Fiorenzo Magni’s heroic efforts after his crash at Giro d’Italia 1956
One of the most iconic vintage road cycling images features Fiorenzo Magni grimacing in pain on a gradually… Read More »Fiorenzo Magni’s heroic efforts after his crash at Giro d’Italia 1956
Pierre Beuffeuil and the accidental victory amidst a presidential greeting
The Tour de France is renowned not just for its grueling climbs and fierce competition, but also for… Read More »Pierre Beuffeuil and the accidental victory amidst a presidential greeting
What could possibly go wrong? – slightly comical history of early road cycling
Before the peloton moved in a perfectly choreographed blur of carbon fiber and race radios, road cycling was… Read More »What could possibly go wrong? – slightly comical history of early road cycling
Five “what-if” moments from the hstory of Tour de France
The Tour de France is more than just a race—it’s a living drama played out on two wheels,… Read More »Five “what-if” moments from the hstory of Tour de France
When the Badger backed down: Bernard Hinault’s controversial withdrawal (Tour de France1980)
In the pantheon of cycling legends, few names carry the ferocious weight of Bernard Hinault. Known as “Le… Read More »When the Badger backed down: Bernard Hinault’s controversial withdrawal (Tour de France1980)
FACES FROM THE GIRO D’ITALIA PELOTON
Five little fun facts about Giro d’Italia 1930
After several years of overwhelming dominance, Alfredo Binda was nicely asked (and paid generously) by the organizers to… Read More »Five little fun facts about Giro d’Italia 1930
5 fun facts about Giro d’Italia 1946
The 29th Giro d’Italia (15 June-7 July 1946) was the first edition of the Italian grand tour after… Read More »5 fun facts about Giro d’Italia 1946
Learn about the cyclist who won the Giro d’Italia during Alfredo Binda’s absence
Alfredo Binda’s story about having been paid to skip the Giro d’Italia in 1930 is pretty well known… Read More »Learn about the cyclist who won the Giro d’Italia during Alfredo Binda’s absence
Faces from the peloton: Luigi Malabrocca
Luigi Malabrocca is most remembered today for his unorthodox quest to secure the maglia nera—the last-place jersey of… Read More »Faces from the peloton: Luigi Malabrocca
VINTAGE IMAGE OF THE DAY
Vicente Trueba climbing Galibier (Tour de France 1933)
Spanish climber Vicente Trueba was the first King of the Mountains of Tour de France. The special competition was introduced to the race in 1933. In 1933, Trueba reached most of the important peaks of the race first, but being a less skilled descender, he could never gain anything, a stage victory for example, from… Read More »Vicente Trueba climbing Galibier (Tour de France 1933)
The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
The world of road cycling often celebrates the second-place riders as much, if not more, than the winners.… Read More »The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
René Vietto’s sacrifice ( Tour de France 1934)
In 1934, Tour de France produced one of the most legendary and emotional moments in cycling history when… Read More »René Vietto’s sacrifice ( Tour de France 1934)
MOST POPULAR STORIES
Fiorenzo Magni’s heroic efforts after his crash at Giro d’Italia 1956
One of the most iconic vintage road cycling images features Fiorenzo Magni grimacing in pain on a gradually… Read More »Fiorenzo Magni’s heroic efforts after his crash at Giro d’Italia 1956
Smoking cyclists (Tour de France 1927)
The smoking cyclists of Tour de France 1927 is one of the most famous vintage cycling images from… Read More »Smoking cyclists (Tour de France 1927)
TOUR DE FRANCE FUN FACTS
Most Tour de France stage victories
Since the 5th stage of Tour de France 2024, Mark Cavendish is the sole record holder with 35… Read More »Most Tour de France stage victories
Eight stage victories during a single Tour de France edition
Only three riders in the history of the Tour de France have managed the incredible feat of winning… Read More »Eight stage victories during a single Tour de France edition
The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
The world of road cycling often celebrates the second-place riders as much, if not more, than the winners.… Read More »The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
René Vietto’s sacrifice ( Tour de France 1934)
In 1934, Tour de France produced one of the most legendary and emotional moments in cycling history when… Read More »René Vietto’s sacrifice ( Tour de France 1934)
MORE ROAD CYCLING FUN FACTS
Monte Grappa in the program of Giro d’Italia
Monte Grappa sits in the Veneto region, and depending on the route taken, it can be incredibly brutal—like… Read More »Monte Grappa in the program of Giro d’Italia
The youngest and the oldest Giro d’Italia stage winners
Olimpio Bizzi is the youngest stage winner ever with 19 years and 229 days. He won the 8th… Read More »The youngest and the oldest Giro d’Italia stage winners
GREATEST CYCLING LEGENDS
A battle of seconds (Giro d’Italia 1974)
In the long and storied history of the Giro d’Italia, few editions have left as lasting an impression… Read More »A battle of seconds (Giro d’Italia 1974)
Gino Bartali’s breakthrough at Giro d’Italia 1936
In the pantheon of cycling legends, Gino Bartali stands out not only for his remarkable achievements but also… Read More »Gino Bartali’s breakthrough at Giro d’Italia 1936
The birth of a legend: Passo dello Stelvio and its dramatic nitroduction to the Giro d’Italia
In the rich and storied history of the Giro d’Italia, few moments shine as brightly—or as chillingly—as that… Read More »The birth of a legend: Passo dello Stelvio and its dramatic nitroduction to the Giro d’Italia
Bernard Hinault’s 1980: a year of triumph, turmoil, and turning points
In the brutal, beautiful world of professional cycling, few names evoke the same sense of awe, fear, and… Read More »Bernard Hinault’s 1980: a year of triumph, turmoil, and turning points
Vintage Cycling Stories is member of PelotonTales blogfamily, blogs about road cycling past present (and future) from culturlp historical point of view.