Gino Bartali

About

Gino Bartali was a renowned Italian cyclist, born on July 18, 1914, in Ponte a Ema, Florence. He won the Tour de France twice, in 1938 and 1948, and the Giro d'Italia three times, in 1936, 1937, and 1946. Bartali was known for his exceptional climbing skills and was nicknamed "The Iron Man" for his endurance. His career was marked by a fierce rivalry with Fausto Coppi, which divided Italy and captivated the cycling world. Beyond his cycling achievements, Bartali played a heroic role during World War II. He used his training rides as a cover to smuggle documents and aid Jews facing deportation. This bravery earned him recognition as "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem. Bartali's humility and dedication to his faith were defining characteristics, and he remained modest about his wartime actions until his death in 2000. His legacy extends beyond cycling, symbolizing courage and humanitarianism.