Few names in cycling inspire as devoted a fan base as Marco Pantani. The late-Italian’s memory stands alone as one respected by hardcore cycling nerds and casual racing fans equally. His former sponsor, Bianchi, recently honoured il Pirata’s legacy with a recreation of his winning bike from the Italian’s 1998 Giro-Tour double.
Like many of his era, Pantani’s legacy is inexorably tied with the peloton’s proclivity for less-than-legal … training aides. Unlike the other riders caught doping during the Wild West-esque era of PED’s, and those since disgraced, Pantani’s reputation has survived this association.
The Italian remains popular partially because he represents an era of racing that many miss. Pantani raced with raw emotion, attacking his competitors rather than waiting for a win. His strategy was calculated in desire, not Watts/kg. During the 2000 Tour when he scorned Lance Armstrong, thinking the American has eased his pace up Mont Ventoux to gift the Italian the win.
Another part of il Pirata’s lasting legacy has to be that his controversial expulsion from the 1999 Giro, after the penultimate mountain stage to Madonna di Campiglio, was far from the worst thing to happen to the Italian. Rumours immediately started that Pantani was set-up by the mob, who did not want to see him win a second consecutive Giro. With only two days left in the race, the entire Mercatone Uno-Bianchi team withdrew from the race to protest Pantani’s expulsion.
From then on, Pantani never seemed quite the same. He clashed on and off the road with an ascendant Armstrong, but never achieved the same success. Hounded by accusations of doping, he fell into alcoholism and drug abuse until his death on 14, February 2004. Questions and conspiracy theories swirl around il Pirata’s death to this day. Despite high profile attempts, he remains the last of just seven riders to complete the Giro-Tour double.
When Bianchi announced it would release a limited run of Specialissima CV frames marking the 20th anniversary of Pantani’s achievement, of course Renny had his name on the list right away. Each bike is painted to match the yellow-celeste of the Mercatone Uno-Bianchi team’s 1998 MegaProXL team bikes, down to the yellow FSA stem and classic eagle head badge.
Renny’s Specialissima is built out with a properly Italian Campagnolo Chorus 11-speed gruppo, and Campagnolo Shamal Mille wheels. Vittoria Corsa tires and special Giro edition pink Speedplay pedals round out the build, with carbon Arundel bottle cages. Oh, and Renny’s beat saddle and seatpost, because for some parts comfort trumps heritage, especially when you spend as much time in the saddle as Renny.
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