The Giro d’Italia stands as one of cycling’s grandest and most grueling stage races, showcasing legendary champions who have shaped the sport’s history. While names like Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, and Eddy Merckx are etched deeply into the collective memory of cycling fans worldwide, many other Giro winners — those who achieved greatness in their own right — have quietly slipped into the shadows of history.
This list shines a light on ten lesser-known champions from the 20th century whose remarkable victories and unique stories often go overlooked. These riders, from early pioneers battling primitive roads to resilient champions navigating fierce competition, represent a fascinating and essential part of the Giro’s rich legacy. Their achievements may not be household names today, but their impact and determination remain an important chapter in cycling lore.
Carlo Galetti ( 1910, 1911, 1912)
One of the original legends of Italian cycling, Galetti won three consecutive Giri. The first two (1910, 1911) came through sheer resilience and stamina — essential traits in an era of terrible roads, primitive bikes, and brutal race lengths. His third win in 1912 was unique: it was the only Giro ever contested as a team classification, won by Team Atala with Galetti as a key figure. Despite this early dominance, Galetti’s fame didn’t endure, likely because he competed before the mass media boom and lacked the later legends’ personal mythology.
Giuseppe Enrici (1924)
Born in the United States, Enrici returned to Italy as a child. His Giro win in 1924 came in a strange year: the top Italian stars, including Costante Girardengo and Giovanni Brunero, boycotted the race in a dispute with organizers. As a result, the field was weakened, which opened the door for Enrici. Nonetheless, his performance was solid, and he managed to maintain consistency throughout the race. After retirement, he faded from the spotlight, and his U.S. connection was largely forgotten, which kept him obscure even among cycling historians.
Luigi Marchisio (1930)
At just 21 years old, Marchisio became the second-youngest winner in Giro history. His win was marked by maturity beyond his years, especially in the mountains. However, he failed to build on that early promise. Injuries and illnesses plagued his short career, and he never again reached the top 10 in a Grand Tour. His story stands as one of early brilliance never fulfilled — a reminder of how fragile cycling careers can be, especially in the pre-war era.
Francesco Camusso (1931)
Camusso was a pure climber, and his 1931 victory came by dominating the Alpine stages. He was the first to wear the maglia rosa as the leader’s jersey — introduced that year — which should have made him a household name. However, his quiet personality and lack of victories in other major races meant that he didn’t capture public attention. He remained a respected figure in Italian cycling circles, especially in the Piedmont region, but never achieved lasting global recognition.
Antonio Pesenti (1932)
Pesenti won the Giro in a transitional period after the Binda era but before Bartali’s rise. He was a powerful rouleur and climber but lacked showmanship. His 1932 win was methodical and calculated — never flashy. He was never a fan favorite and didn’t have a long career at the top, retiring not long after his win. With his quiet demeanor and lack of dramatic rivalries, his name gradually faded from cycling lore.
Franco Balmamion ( 1962, 1963)
Perhaps the most underappreciated double Giro winner, Balmamion won back-to-back titles with incredible defensive riding and team strategy. He became known as “the silent champion” — an introvert who let his legs do the talking. Remarkably, he won zero stages in either of his Giro victories — a record for a GC winner. Riding for the Carpano team, he often relied on tactics and teamwork rather than dominating the race outright. His low profile and lack of stage wins led to a muted legacy, despite his impressive palmarès.
Gianni Motta (1966)
Motta had the style and promise to be one of Italy’s greats. He won the 1966 Giro with strong climbing and time-trialing, and had solid performances in the Classics, including a win at the Tour de Suisse and Giro di Lombardia. However, his career was derailed by the emergence of Eddy Merckx, who quickly eclipsed him. Motta struggled with injuries as well, and while he remained a contender for several years, he never won another Grand Tour. He is remembered as a talent who never fully realized his potential due to the misfortune of timing.
Giovanni Battaglin ( 1981)
Battaglin achieved one of the most difficult feats in modern cycling: winning the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia in the same year, within just 33 days. He was a gritty climber and time trialist, not the most elegant rider but tenacious and tough. Yet, his name is rarely mentioned among the sport’s elite, possibly due to his low media profile and the relatively short span of his top form. He retired soon after and later founded Cicli Battaglin, a high-end Italian bike manufacturer, where his reputation lived on more in craftsmanship than racing lore.
Roberto Visentini (1986)
Visentini had everything: style, talent, and a top-tier team (Carrera). In 1986, he won the Giro with a balanced performance and strong team support. However, his 1987 campaign ended in disaster: team co-leader Stephen Roche disobeyed orders and attacked him, setting up one of the most infamous internal betrayals in cycling. The fallout shattered Visentini’s confidence and career. Though he remained active, he never returned to top form. Today, he’s remembered more for being the victim of Roche’s legendary 1987 win than for his own Giro victory.
Franco Chioccioli ( 1991)
Nicknamed “Coppino” because of his resemblance to Fausto Coppi, Chioccioli was a hard-working climber with a strong Italian following. In 1991, he destroyed the field in the mountains, notably on the Passo Pordoi and Sestriere, and took a convincing overall win. However, that was the peak of his career. His subsequent years were marked by decline, as he was overshadowed by Miguel Indurain and other rising stars. Chioccioli remained respected but never developed an international fanbase, and his Giro win remains underappreciated outside Italy.