Di Luca wins longest stage at Giro, keeps lead May 20, 2009
3-mile climb to Moncenisio followed by the even tougher 7-mile ascent to Sestriere -- the Cima Coppi, or Coppi peak, dedicated to Fausto Coppi, the legendary Italian rider of the 1940s and 50s. Each year the Cima Coppi marks the highest point of the race. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Best places you've never heard of Nov 15, 2007
A native of Piedmont, Italy, Enrico Pizzorni grew up idolizing cyclist Fausto Coppi, who won the Tour de France twice and the Giro d'Italia five times. In 1998, Pizzorni channeled his cycling talents into a gig leading and then developing small tours for Ciclismo Classico, which leads bicycle groups through Europe and New England. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Doping true to the spirit of sport Aug 8, 2007
One winner, Fausto Coppi, summed it up when he was asked whether he ever used amphetamines, or la bomba: "Only when absolutely necessary." When asked how often that was, he said: "Most of the time.". Cheating is ruining the tour. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Vantage Point: With a shrug, fans are likely to forgive corruption Jul 31, 2007
" But in truth, we don't always care that the fix is in. One of the most popular programs on cable television features the theatrical fakery of professional wrestling. The only real outrage displayed by fans in recent days was not in regard to sport, but to the government's charge that Vick helped operate a dog-fighting ring that killed underachieving animals by hanging, drowning and bashing them into the ground. Vick was jeered Thursday as hundreds gathered outside a courthouse in Richmond,... (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
The Tour de France breaks a fan's heart May 27, 2007
Fausto Coppi, another great rider, was once asked whether he used amphetamines and he replied, "Only when strictly necessary." And how often was it necessary. "Most of the time," Coppi replied. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
