Coverage of the 1950 Tour de France
Probably the biggest news before the start of the 1950 Tour de France is the absence of defending champion Fausto Coppi, whose fall on the Primolano climb during the 9th stage of the Giro dItalia resulted in a triple fracture of the pelvis. Bedridden for twenty-nine days, Coppis recovery has been slow, and he is only just now able to stand without a cane. Coppi's absence leaves Gino Bartali (winner in 1938 and 1948) and Fiorenzo Magni (winner of the 1950 Giro) as co-favorites among the Italian contingent.
Aldo Ross
Middletown, Ohio