As I recall Coppi died in the hospital of Malaria contracted while on safari
with Geminiani, I think.
Hospitalized in Italy, the doctors misdiagnosed and treated him for
pneumonia.
Upon his death it was a near riot and scandal, and it was a wonder the
hospital was left standing and the doctors didn't entertain an early demise.
To say the tifosi were more than irate is a giant understatement.
As to his legs, they were impressive!
I was fortunate to have ridden the last races that Fausti Coppi rode in the
fall of '59 before his ill fated safari.
There was a small series of criteriums in Germany, - Berlin - Augsburg -
Munich.
When standing next to him at the start in Berlin his thighs were very
powerful, he had a very large chest/lung capacity and long arms as I recall,
and yet he didn't look out of proportion.
Unfortunately I don't have any photos to prove it but I do have the programs
with all our rider's names. All of us were racing and I as a "small" rider
was more interested in doing as well as possible and not too concerned with
photo-ops.
The course was right by the TV tower and part of it was on the north curve
of the Avus Grand Prix car racing track/route of prewar Auto-Union and
Mecedes battles among others.
I remember sitting next to him in Berlin during the race and when he made a
move Coppi would arch his back slightly, settle down into the position and
drive with his thighs.
His bike shot forward and I remember having to go like hell to keep position
or lose a few spots.
After a while it didn't make any diffference who you were, you either had a
team to work with or you had to fight for every inch/ position.
I got lucky and won a prime, which was a case of champagne.
I didn't realize as a newbie that I wasn't supposed to do that and a few
laps later as we were jamming around I was sitting behind Lul Gillen of
Luxemburg.
Lul was a very top 6-Day rider and rode these races as summer season.
He was also a most experienced and tricky bike handler.
Looking back on it he didn't crowd me or make any hint of my beverage
misdemeanor, but all of a sudden as we leaned into a slight turn he came
close and kicked his wheel sideways by lightening up un the bike and kicking
his leg up quickly.
That side jump caught my front wheel and he unceremoniously knocked me on my
ass.
That sorta left me out for the finish.
The trainers at the hall told me what the scoop was, but that's racing.
I had to leave Berlin and get back to the West for another race and left the
champagne with the trainers and hangers on at the track.
They said they'd keep it for me till I got back a few weeks later. They did
enjoy my wink wink compliance for their treat.
Give them a favor and it comes back next time you're in town and need a
little help.
Thanks Norris, for jarring a synapse of an event over 50 years ago.
HNY guys and gals.
Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates
CA 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