Norris,
I have lots of respect for Coppi as a racer. But I have greater respect for Gino Bartali's exploits during the Second World War. These days, Bartali is viewed as hopelessly old fashioned, especially when his religious beliefs are compared to Coppi's.
But we should never forget that Bartali's religious beliefs led him to work with the Resistance during WW2. To me, that's the mark of a real champion.
Ciao,
Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA)
> Lest we forget while we are
> discussing WWII and the lost frame builders of
> France
>
> One of the greatest, if not the greatest racing cyclist, of
> all time was
> also a prisoner of war in WWII.
>
> Tomorrow, the 2nd January 2010 , will mark the 50th
> Anniversary of the death
> of FAUSTO COPPI, from malaria..Or was it from an overdose
> of cocaine that
> was fed to him
>
> At only around 5'9" tall, and riding a 60cms frame, he must
> have had some of
> the longest legs of any peloton.
>
> I shall mark the occasion with as long as possible a
> climb...in the
> saddle... hands on the top of the bars..
>
> Norris Lockley
>
> Settle UK