Cycling Highlights: Marco Pantani has often impressed in the mountains. One of his standout performances was at the Giro d'Italia 1999 up to Oropa.
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Pantani was at the peak of his career
The year is 1999In Italy, cycling enthusiasm – where it has always been extremely extreme – is perhaps greater than ever. The country has a new hero: Marco Pantani. The previous season, the Italian won the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. With his aggressive riding style in the high mountains, he not only captured the hearts of the Tifosi. In the eyes of the large fan base, this is exactly how it should be in 1999 continue. And things were looking good. After some initial difficulties, Marco Pantani finally took control of the Giro d'Italia. After the 14th stage, he took over the Maglia Rosa. He would win four stages in total, one of them on May 30th. The stage took the field over 143 kilometers from Racconigi to Oropa. It was hilly, and the climbs were uneven – exactly 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 ever. Shortly before the start of the climb, he suffered a puncture. While the peloton at the front was tearing through the field, the Pirate had to wait for the support vehicle. This would normally have been a reason to write off the stage win and fear for his overall lead. But Marco Pantani came back. He charged through the peloton from the back on the climb and won the stage. The fans were ecstatic. After that, the Giro d'Italia was a walk in the park for Pantani. He racked up further stage wins and held a commanding lead in the general classification. The title seemed all but secured. But then came the shock: After his victories on stages 19 and 20, he had to undergo a hematocrit test. His level, at 52% red blood cells, was too high. Only 50% was permitted. This led to his disqualification from the Giro d'Italia – just two days before the finish.
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.