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Mario Vicini.
But for Gino Bartali, Vicini's exploits might be
better remembered. In 1939 he contested the sprint for the
finish of Milan San Remo. Being primarily a climber, he finished
fifth out of the front group of five. Bartali won that one. But
Vicini came in 2 places and 2'25" ahead of Cino Cinelli! Vicini
also contested two TdFs,
finishing 2nd in '37 (the only rider within shouting distance of
Roger Lapebie) and 6th in '38. He won the Italian road
championship in '39 and finished 3rd in that year's Giro. In
1940 Vicini, Cinelli and Olmo were teammates on the Bianchi
squad.
Vicini started selling racing bicycles 10 years before his
retirement from the peleton in 1952, then going full-time in the
bike business. The family has continued in the business since
Mario's death in 1995.
Dave Ross |