TNT Sports
Riders remember Pantani
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Published 20/05/2004 at 12:04 GMT+1
Riders will pay tribute to the late Marco Pantani on Thursday when the 87th Giro d'Italia arrives in Cesena, the birthplace of the Italian cycling legend who died of a cocaine overdose on February 14.
Eurosport
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Pantani's mother is expected to be at the finish of the 228 kilometres stage, from Porto Sant'Elpido to Cesena.
Nicknamed 'The Pirate' by the Italian media for his trademark shaved head and bandana, Pantani became a national icon in 1998 when he won the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in the same year.
Famous for his thrilling attacks in the mountains, Pantani's tragic and lonely death has left Italians grieving one of their biggest sporting heroes.
Hoping to find their next cycling star, many Italians are dubbing current Giro leader Damiano Cunego as a possible candidate to fill Pantani's large shoes.
"Pantani was left to die on his own. When you win you suddenly have lots of friends but when you lose everybody abandons you," Cunego said.
"Pantani suffered a lot during his life and didn't die as a champion should.
"Unfortunately, I don't think anybody could have done anything to help him. It was his destiny to die as he did."
Pantani's father Paolo said: "Marco was angry with the people who destructed him in cycling and when he wanted cocaine he hadn't any limit."
The 19th stage of the Giro will also pay tribute to Pantani, featuring the Passo del Mortirolo climb which has been designated the 'Montagna Pantani.'
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