In the long and storied history of the Giro d’Italia, few editions have left as lasting an impression as the race of 1974. Not because of overwhelming domination or a shocking upset, but because of a dramatic three-way battle that pushed cycling’s greatest champion to his limits, revealed a dazzling young talent, and confirmed the enduring class of a veteran. The podium was separated by just 33 seconds — and for the first time, the great Eddy Merckx looked vulnerable. The 1974 Giro wasn’t just a race — it was a chess match on two wheels, played out over the mountains and plains of Italy.
Setting the stage: htree Rivals, three narratives
By 1974, Eddy Merckx had already won four Giro titles (1968, 1970, 1972, 1973) and was widely regarded as the most dominant cyclist the sport had ever seen. Riding for the powerful Molteni team, he had swept aside challengers for years with an unrelenting mix of time-trial power, climbing strength, and aggressive racing tactics. But that year, the aura of invincibility had begun to fade slightly. Illness and fatigue from his heavy racing calendar were beginning to show.
On the other end of the spectrum was Gianbattista Baronchelli, a precocious 20-year-old Italian riding for the Scic team. Though new to Grand Tours, Baronchelli had impressed in the lead-up with stage race wins and climbing brilliance. No one expected him to contend for overall victory — but his form and fearlessness soon changed the story.
Then there was Felice Gimondi, the elder statesman of Italian cycling. Already a Giro winner in 1967 and 1969, Gimondi was now 31 and racing for Bianchi-Campagnolo. He was no longer the explosive rider of his youth, but his intelligence, experience, and consistency made him a perpetual podium threat.
The scene was set: Merckx defending his throne, Baronchelli the bold newcomer, and Gimondi the wise veteran — all converging in what would become one of the closest battles in Giro history.
Early stages: Merckx controls, others wait
The opening half of the race followed a familiar pattern: Merckx in control. He didn’t win stages as dominantly as in previous years, but he wore the maglia rosa and maintained his grip on the race. His time trial strength gave him an early edge, and despite minor challenges in the Appennines, he looked poised to defend his title.
Baronchelli bided his time. He didn’t make bold moves in the early stages, focusing instead on conserving energy and avoiding mistakes. Gimondi, too, stayed close — never attacking, but never far from the front, always calculating.
The trio hovered near each other in the general classification, with Merckx holding a modest lead. But as the Giro entered the final mountainous week, things began to shift.
The Dolomites: Baronchelli strikes
Stage 20, from Bassano del Grappa to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, was a turning point. The legendary Dolomite climb is one of the Giro’s most iconic and brutal finishes. Snow still covered the roadside in places, the gradient frequently exceeded 12%, and the altitude made every pedal stroke a battle.
Here, Baronchelli attacked — decisively and fearlessly. For the first time in the race, Merckx faltered. He didn’t collapse, but he couldn’t match the young climber’s acceleration. Baronchelli gained crucial seconds and announced himself as a serious threat. Behind them, Gimondi held firm, limiting his losses and staying in the hunt.
Baronchelli’s move narrowed the general classification dramatically. The Molteni camp grew nervous. Merckx, while still leading, now had just a handful of seconds over Baronchelli — and there were still major challenges to come.
Stage 21: Malcesine to Monte Generoso — the decisive climb
Coming into this penultimate stage, Eddy Merckx was still the race leader, but his margin over young Italian Gianbattista Baronchelli was razor-thin. Baronchelli had steadily gained time over previous mountain stages, signaling that he was the real threat to Merckx’s pink jersey. Felice Gimondi was close behind, ready to capitalize on any opportunity.
The atmosphere was electric. The Italian public, hungry for a homegrown champion, was rallying behind Baronchelli, who was about to face the toughest climb of his young career.
From the early kilometers, the stage was aggressive. Baronchelli knew he had to attack if he wanted to wrest the lead from Merckx. On the climb of Monte Generoso, Baronchelli launched a bold assault, riding with incredible power and determination.
Merckx, renowned for his resilience, tried to respond, but the toll of the three-week race was evident. Baronchelli crept closer and closer, gaining precious seconds with every pedal stroke.
The final kilometers of Monte Generoso were brutal, with gradients reaching double digits. Baronchelli’s climbing form was spectacular — he seemed to float uphill, nearly breaking away from the world’s greatest cyclist.
As they neared the summit, the gap was just seconds. Baronchelli crossed first and took the maglia rosa, the pink leader’s jersey, for the first time in his career.
The crowd erupted as the young Italian appeared poised to dethrone the legendary Merckx.
Merckx’s reaction was stoic but fierce. Though visibly strained, he limited his losses and refused to let Baronchelli gain a decisive advantage. The Belgian’s experience and tactical savvy meant that even with the jersey lost temporarily, he had one final chance — the last stage time trial — to reclaim it.
Baronchelli’s attack on Monte Generoso slashed Merckx’s lead dramatically. The stage put Baronchelli within seconds of the pink jersey, setting up a nail-biting final day.
Felice Gimondi also rode a solid stage, finishing close behind, preserving his spot on the podium and ensuring the race would be decided by mere seconds.
The race’s place in cycling history
The 1974 Giro d’Italia is often remembered less for spectacular individual stage wins or record-breaking performances, and more for its exceptional closeness and the riveting narrative it created. The race was a perfect storm of talent, youth versus experience, and a fading legend defending his throne against hungry challengers.
It remains a shining example of what makes Grand Tours so compelling — not just raw power, but mental toughness, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of every second.