Fausto Coppi won the Giro d’Italia five times and the Tour de France twice. The Italian champion took the Giro in 1940, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953, and won the Tour in 1949 and 1952.
Coppi was celebrated for his climbing, time-trial ability and long solo attacks. He competed during cycling’s golden postwar era and became one of the sport’s most influential figures. His victories helped establish the idea of the complete stage racer who could excel across different types of terrain.
Coppi’s career included a famous rivalry with fellow Italian Gino Bartali. Their contrasting public images and sporting styles made them national heroes. Coppi also held the world hour record in 1942, although the achievement came during wartime and was later surpassed by other riders.