At the “classicissima” eve, remembering another big anniversary, the Italian released an unprecedented interpretation of his outstanding career spent as a neverending fight against the unattainable rival

With perfect shape and high spirit, Felice Gimondi, 71, looks today as a classy and young-looking gentleman fully involved in his professional activities and still riding, even more in view of Granfondo Felice Gimondi-Bianchi, whose 18th edition will take place on May 4th in Bergamo. “I’m going a bit too easy, but never give up, never!”, Felice jokes.

Just to promote his event, Gimondi released a long video-interview speaking off the cuff about his amazing career. By the way, 40th anniversary of his triumph at Milano-Sanremo falls tomorrow. Gimondi gave himself a treat, as he won dressing the rainbow jersey: not many riders took such a luxury, but obviously his great rival Eddy Merckx did it too.

Gimondi has always remarked how his story as a rider was deeply influenced by an unattainable opponent: ”In postwar cycling story, I was the only one who fought with a true monster. Although I was fully aware of his supremacy, I never surrendered and took a lot of wins afterwards: one Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia three times, one Vuelta a Espana, World Championship, Milan-Sanremo, Giro di Lombardia, Paris-Roubaix, not to say about many other victories, podiums and top-placements…”

During the interview (watch the video – Italian with English subtitles) Gimondi gave an unprecedented historical interpretation of his career: “Without Merckx, I would have won as much as Fausto Coppi at least. I can state this with no boastfulness, the “Campionissimo” has my full respect and esteem, but I wholeheartedly believe it,”.

Links

Click here to watch the extract Felice Gimondi interview (Italian + English Subtitles)

To know more about Granfondo Gimondi-Bianchi, please click here

Register now for 18th Granfondo Gimondi-Bianchi clicking here

Bergamo (Italy), March 22nd, 2014