Fausto Angelo Coppi was born September 15, 1919 in Castellanania in Piedmont and was was one of five children. He rode his first race at age 15, among other boys not attached to cycling clubs, and won first prize: 20 lire and a salami sandwich. Coppi took a racing licence at the start of 1938 and won his first race, at Castelleto d’Orba, near the butcher’s shop. He won alone, winning an alarm clock.
In addition to all the the glory there was a rivalry with a fellow Italian pro that divided the country; a spell in a prisoner of war camp; a marital scandal that rocked conservative Italian society to its core; and a premature death.
He is still considered the finest, most elegant cyclist in the history of the sport. He used to be called “Il Campionissimo” (the Champion of Champions), as he won nearly everything, single day races, stage races, time trials and track races.
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