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The young Gino Bartali celebrating his first Giro d'Italia victory in 1936

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

Andy Hampsten climbing Gavia during Giro d'Italia 1988

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)

Eddy Merckx in maglia rosa Felice Giimondi in the world champion shirt during Giro d'Italia 1974

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

 

 

A classic portrait of Italian cycling legend Alfredo Binda

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

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

A cyclists is sleeping among hays during Tour de France 1939

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



 



 

FACES FROM THE GIRO D’ITALIA PELOTON

posting fun facts on social media about Giro d'italia 1930

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

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)

French cyclist René Vietto sitting on rocks at the roadside, crying after had to sacrifice his chance for teamleader Antonin Magne during Tour de France 1934

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

Extract from the famous vintage cycling image when four cyclists smoking cigarettes in 1927

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

Mark Cavendish celebrating his record 35th stage victory at the Tour de France in 2024

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

French cyclist René Vietto sitting on rocks at the roadside, crying after had to sacrifice his chance for teamleader Antonin Magne during Tour de France 1934

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

Eddy Merckx in maglia rosa Felice Giimondi in the world champion shirt during Giro d'Italia 1974

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 young Gino Bartali celebrating his first Giro d'Italia victory in 1936

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



 



 

Vintage Cycling Stories is member of PelotonTales blogfamily, blogs about road cycling past present (and future) from culturlp historical point of view.