Felice Gimondi, born on September 29, 1942, in Sedrina, a small town in the province of Bergamo, Italy, is a name that resonates deeply within the world of professional cycling. Known for his tactical prowess, resilience, and competitive spirit, Gimondi’s career spanned the golden age of cycling, where he often found himself in fierce competition with the legendary Eddy Merckx. Gimondi’s legacy is not just about his victories on the road but also about the indomitable spirit that defined his career and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Early Life and Introduction to Cycling
Felice Gimondi grew up in a working-class family, with his father Mosè working as a postman who used his bicycle as his primary mode of transportation. It was from his father that Gimondi inherited not just the love for cycling but also an understanding of its practical and demanding nature. Despite being surrounded by the cycling culture, Gimondi did not take up competitive cycling until his late teens, a relatively late start for someone who would go on to achieve so much in the sport.
It wasn’t until Gimondi was 18 years old that he began racing seriously. He joined the U.S. Sedrianese team, a local cycling club, and quickly began to show signs of his latent talent. By 1964, Gimondi had already made a name for himself by winning the Tour de l’Avenir, a race considered a stepping stone for young cyclists aiming to compete in professional tours like the Tour de France.
Professional Career: The Rise to Fame
Gimondi’s transition to professional cycling was swift and successful. In 1965, he joined the Salvarani team, initially serving as a domestique (support rider) for the then-team leader Vittorio Adorni. However, fate had other plans for Gimondi. During his very first participation in the Tour de France in 1965, Adorni retired from the race, leaving Gimondi to take the lead. Seizing the opportunity, Gimondi went on to win the Tour de France in his debut year, an achievement that instantly catapulted him into the spotlight. This victory was historic, as Gimondi became one of the few cyclists to win the prestigious race on their first attempt.
The victory at the Tour de France was a harbinger of things to come. Gimondi’s early success was a testament to his natural ability and strategic mind. His ability to resist attacks and make calculated moves during critical stages of the race became his trademark. Gimondi’s tactical acumen was often compared to his physical prowess, making him a formidable competitor on any terrain.
The Legendary Rivalry with Eddy Merckx
No discussion of Felice Gimondi’s career would be complete without mentioning his rivalry with Eddy Merckx, one of the greatest cyclists of all time. The rivalry between Gimondi and Merckx defined an era of professional cycling, captivating fans and shaping the narrative of the sport during the 1960s and 1970s.
While Gimondi was known for his strategic brilliance, Merckx was the embodiment of raw power and relentless aggression, earning him the nickname “The Cannibal” for his insatiable appetite for victory. The two faced off in numerous races, with Merckx often coming out on top. Despite this, Gimondi’s ability to challenge Merckx and occasionally defeat him solidified his status as one of the top cyclists of his generation.
One of the most significant encounters between the two came during the 1969 Giro d’Italia. Merckx dominated the race, but his subsequent disqualification for doping handed the victory to Gimondi. In a show of sportsmanship, Gimondi famously refused to wear the pink jersey during the awards ceremony, acknowledging that the victory was not earned in the manner he would have preferred.
The Triple Crown and Major Victories
Felice Gimondi’s career is remarkable not just for his rivalry with Merckx but also for his incredible list of accomplishments. He is one of only seven cyclists in history to have won all three Grand Tours: the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. This feat, known as the Triple Crown of Cycling, places Gimondi in the pantheon of the sport’s greatest athletes.
Tour de France (1965): Gimondi’s debut victory at the Tour de France remains one of the most memorable moments of his career. His ability to take control of the race at a young age and maintain his lead through some of the most challenging stages established him as a rising star.
Giro d’Italia (1967, 1969, 1976): The Giro d’Italia was where Gimondi truly shined. His victories in 1967, 1969, and 1976 showcased his mastery of the race’s challenging terrain and his strategic approach to cycling. His 1967 victory was particularly notable for his decisive attack on the Madonna del Ghisallo stage, where he outmaneuvered the legendary Jacques Anquetil.
Vuelta a España (1968): Gimondi’s victory at the Vuelta a España further cemented his status as one of the best cyclists in the world. His ability to compete and win across different tours demonstrated his versatility and endurance.
In addition to his Grand Tour victories, Gimondi also excelled in one-day classics. He won prestigious races such as the Paris-Roubaix (1966), Milan-San Remo (1974), and the Giro di Lombardia (1966). These victories highlighted his ability to perform in a variety of cycling disciplines, from grueling multi-stage tours to demanding single-day races.
The 1973 World Championship: A Career-Defining Moment
While Felice Gimondi had already achieved much by the early 1970s, one of the most defining moments of his career came in 1973 at the World Road Race Championships in Montjuïc, Barcelona. Competing against a field of the world’s best cyclists, including his perennial rival Eddy Merckx, Gimondi delivered a masterclass in tactical racing.
During the race, Merckx launched one of his trademark furious attacks on the eleventh lap. However, Gimondi, displaying his typical resilience and strategic brilliance, responded with a powerful counter-attack that left Merckx and the rest of the field behind. Gimondi crossed the finish line in first place, securing the world champion’s rainbow jersey and adding a crowning achievement to his illustrious career.
This victory was particularly significant because it was a rare defeat of Merckx at the height of his powers. It also underscored Gimondi’s reputation as a cyclist who could rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
The Later Years and Retirement
As the 1970s progressed, the physical toll of professional cycling began to take its toll on Gimondi. Despite his age and the dominance of Merckx, Gimondi continued to compete at a high level, adding more victories to his already impressive record. His final major victory came in 1976, when he won his third Giro d’Italia, a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
Gimondi’s final professional race was the Giro dell’Emilia in 1978, where he bid farewell to the sport that had defined his life. Although he officially retired from professional cycling, Gimondi remained active in the sport, transitioning to a successful career as a sports director and later as a team manager. His knowledge and experience made him a valuable asset to the cycling community, and he continued to contribute to the sport in various capacities.
Legacy and Impact on Cycling
Felice Gimondi’s impact on cycling extends far beyond his victories and championships. He is remembered as a cyclist who combined tactical intelligence with physical endurance, a competitor who could challenge the best in the world and come out on top. His rivalry with Eddy Merckx is one of the most storied in the history of the sport, and it helped to elevate professional cycling to new heights during the 1960s and 1970s.
Gimondi’s legacy is also reflected in the respect and admiration he garnered from his peers and fans alike. He was known for his sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to the sport, qualities that endeared him to many and made him a beloved figure in the cycling world.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, several events and races have been named in his honor, including the Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi, an annual cycling event that attracts thousands of participants. Gimondi’s influence can also be seen in the generation of cyclists who followed in his footsteps, many of whom cite him as an inspiration.
Personal Life and Passing
Felice Gimondi’s life off the bike was marked by his dedication to his family and his continued involvement in the sport he loved. He remained a prominent figure in Italian cycling, often seen at races and events, offering his insights and support to younger cyclists.
Tragically, Felice Gimondi passed away on August 16, 2019, at the age of 76, while on vacation in Sicily. He suffered a heart attack while swimming in the sea near Giardini-Naxos. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from the cycling community and sports fans around the world, who remembered him not just as a great champion but as a true gentleman of the sport.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Felice Gimondi
Felice Gimondi’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance, intelligence, and passion in sports. From his early days in Sedrina to his victories on the grandest stages of professional cycling, Gimondi consistently demonstrated what it means to be a champion. His rivalry with Eddy Merckx, his victories in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, and his unforgettable World Championship win in 1973 are just a few highlights of a career that spanned more than a decade.
Gimondi’s legacy is not just measured in titles and victories but in the respect he earned from fellow competitors and the admiration of cycling fans around the world. He remains a symbol of the golden age of cycling, a time when the sport was defined by epic battles, enduring rivalries, and the sheer will to overcome challenges.
Today, Felice Gimondi’s name is synonymous with greatness in cycling, and his story continues to inspire new generations of cyclists who look to his example for motivation and guidance. His life and career are a reminder that in sports, as in life, success is not just about winning but about how one plays the game.
