GEMINIANI Raphael

“Raphael Geminiani was a pro racer from 1946 to 1958. He was a well respected racer who didn’t get the big wins but was always in the mix.

…. Gem was a Climber. He was Champion of France in 1953. He was leading in the Tour de France in 1958 before he had a bad day then lost to Charlie Gaul. He helped both Bobet and Coppi to great wins. After he retired he was the Director Sportif of the St Raphael Team andthen later Eddy Merckx’s Fiat Team. His efforts transformed pro road racing. The format of commercially sponsored teams versus either national teams or individual start with agents, was Geminiani’s greatest contribution to cycling.”