Sunday, May 31, 2009

Pantani - the PIRATA!


Marco Pantani was an italian road racing cyclist, widely regarded as being one of the best climbers of all time in professional road bicycle racing. The zenith of his career was winning both the Tour de France and theGiro d'Italia in 1998. The bandana he often wore and his attacking style of riding led to him being dubbed 'Il Pirata' (the pirate) by the adoring fans. However, his career was beset by drug abuse allegations, following his failure of a blood test in the 1999 Giro d'Italia. He died of a cocaine overdose in 2004.

what most impresses me is the power of the press once again and their ability of making someone like Pantani feeling a looser. 


For four years I've been in every court, I just lost my desire to be like all the other sportsmen, but cycling has paid and many youngsters have lost their faith in justice. All my colleagues have been humiliated, with TV cameras hidden in their hotel rooms to try and ruin families. How could you not hurt yourself after that?


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