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It Happened Today – May 29, 1940: Fausto Coppi wins his first pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia and the legend begins

On 29 May 1940, Fausto Coppi won his first pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia. It was the beginning of the legend of the "very champion" who in his career won the Giro 4 times and the Tour de France twice

It Happened Today – May 29, 1940: Fausto Coppi wins his first pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia and the legend begins

The Giro d'Italia 2024 (107th edition of the race) who saw him triumph Tadej Pogacar spectacularly. A victory for the Slovenian champion who made his way into the hearts of Italians who saw in him the great champions of the past on two wheels such as Fausto coppi. Pogačar's extraordinary mastery, highlighted by his superiority in the mountains, in time trials and by his impeccable strategy, has in fact brought to mind the epic exploits of Coppi whose memory is celebrated today first pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia, conquered on 29 May 1940.

The Giro d'Italia 1940

The 1940 Giro d'Italia took place in a troubled historical period, with Italy on the brink of entering the Second World War. Despite the climate of uncertainty, the pink race managed to maintain its charm and attract the best cyclists of the time.

Coppi, born on 15 September 1919 in Castellania, had already shown his talent in local races, but the 1940 Giro represented his baptism of fire on an international level. Coppi's team, Legnano, also counted on another great champion, Gino Bartali, who, however, had to abandon the race due to a fall. This accident changed the dynamics of the team and the Giro, shifting the focus to Coppi, who did not disappoint expectations. The key stage was the eleventh, a stage that started from Florence and arrived in Modena. In this stage, Coppi, who was only twenty years old at the time, not only won, but he did it with a impressive detachment by his opponents, demonstrating a physical and tactical superiority that left everyone amazed.

29 May 1940: Coppi's first pink jersey

May 29, 1940 is therefore one Historic date for cycling. After a day of rest, the 11th stage of the 28th edition of the Giro d'Italia is scheduled, the Florence-Modena of 184 km characterized by challenging climbs including Prunetta, Monte Oppio, Abetone and Barigazzo.

The race resumes below adverse weather conditions, with rain and hail making the journey through the Modena Apennines difficult. Among the cyclists in the race there are well-known names such as Olimpio Bizzi, Osvaldo Bailo, Pierino Favalli, Enrico Mollo and Gino Bartali. Under a flood, Coppi reaches the fugitive Ezio Cecchi on Abetone and yes launches into a solitary escape of three hours and 100 km, arriving at the finish line with an advantage of 3'45” over his pursuers. An extraordinary feat that allowed him to wear the pink jersey for the first time. It wasn't the last. The victory, in fact, marked the beginning of one of the most illustrious sporting careers Of all times.

Coppi's rise to the Olympus of cycling

After wearing the pink jersey on May 29, Coppi succeeded to defend it until the end of the Giro, demonstrating uncommon resistance and determination. His final victory, with a significant margin over the second place, the Belgian Vervaecke, was a clear demonstration of his extraordinary talent.

That victory marked the beginning of a glittering career, during which Coppi he won the Giro d'Italia four more times (1947, 1949, 1952, 1953), two Tour de France (1949, 1952), and numerous other classics and world championships, becoming the “champion” and consecrating himself as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

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