Who Was Marco Pantani?

He was one of the most gifted cyclists of his generation, and one of the most troubled.

Pantani was born in 1970 in north eastern Italy.  He became a professional bike rider in 1992, causing a sensation with his unique mountain climbing style and skill.  He made an impression off the bike, too.  Cycling is a big sport in Italy with millions of avid fans and the world's second most important stage race, the Giro d'Italia, which takes place in late May early June each year.  On the cycling circuit, Pantani soon earned the nickname "Elefantino" -- elephant man, for his large ears.  He also sported a shaved head with bandana and prominent earring, earning him the further nickname "The Pirate".

A small man, Pantani was magical on mountains, but lacked the power to outcomete his rivals on the flat.  Moreover, most of his career he was not on a particularly powerful team.  Team support is vital to winning the big stage races.

In 1995 Pantani was in a major crash, breaking his leg badly in two places.  He came back to racing spectacularly, winning the Tour de France in 1998.  

Unfortunately, 1999 was his downfall, he was caught using a banned substance (EPO).  By most accounts, it appears that Pantani felt he was unfairly caught out in a sport where many cheat.  Banned from riding for a while, he sunk into a deep depression which he could never quite overcome to return to his former cycling form.  He died in 2004 from a brain hemorrhage linked to cocaine abuse.