Cycling highlights: Marco Pantani has often impressed in the mountains. He gave us one of his brilliant performances at the 1999 Giro d'Italia up to Oropa.
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Pantani was at the peak of his career
The year is 1999. In Italy, enthusiasm for cycling – where it has always been extremely extreme – is perhaps greater than ever. The country has a new hero: Marco Pantani. The season before, the Italian won the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. With his aggressive driving style in the high mountains, he not only took the hearts of the Tifosi by storm. This is exactly how it should continue in the eyes of the large fan community in 1999. And it looked good. Because at the Giro d'Italia Marco Pantani finally took control after slight initial difficulties. After the 14th stage he took over the Maglia Rosa. In total he should win four stages, one of them on May 30th. The section led the riders over 143 kilometers from Racconigi to Oropa. It was mountainous and the climbs uneven – just what Marco Pantani liked.
He was almost certain to win overall
The 15th stage up to Oropa presented cycling fans with the best Marco Pantani any times. Just before the start of the climb, he broke down. While the post was going off in front, the pirate had to wait for the material truck. Actually a reason to write off the stage win and to fear for the overall lead. But Marco Pantani came back. He rolled up the field from behind on the climb and won the stage. The fans were beside themselves with joy. After that, the Giro d'Italia was a walk in the park for Pantani. He clinched more daily victories and was the clear leader in the overall standings. The title seemed taken. But then came the shock: After his victories on the 19th and 20th stages, he had to submit a hematocrit test. His reading was too high at 52% red blood cells. Only 50% was allowed. This was followed by the exclusion from the Tour of Italy – just two days before the end.
The doping allegations were the beginning of the end
There was only one topic in the Italian media on June 5th. The national hero is said to have doped? Even if there was no positive doping test, according to the statutes, the professional had to be banned and taken out of the race for his own protection. For many fans, the allegations were unthinkable. Conspiracy theories quickly circulated. Among other things, the mafia is said to have forced the exclusion because they are said to have bet against an overall victory by Marco Pantani. Even if there was evidence for this, the story could never be conclusively proven. And even if they did, it would be too late for Pantani. The Italian was not only deprived of his Giro overall victory. Because after the doping allegations, he was never the same again. This low blow took a toll on him, especially mentally. He slipped into depression and drug addiction. His marriage fell apart and his sporting achievements declined. On February 14, 2004, he was found dead in a Rimini hotel room.