Marco Pantani

Marco Pantani (1970–2004), universally idolized as Il Pirata ('The Pirate') for his shaved head, bandanas, and hoop earrings, was cycling's most electrifying pure climber. Dropping his hands to the bottom of the handlebars, Pantani soared up the highest peaks of the Alps and Pyrenees at blistering, unmatched speeds.

In 1998, Pantani achieved the supreme Giro d'Italia and Tour de France double—a feat unrepeated for over a quarter-century. Still holding the all-time record ascent of the Alpe d'Huez (36 minutes 50 seconds), Pantani suffered a tragic psychological decline and died in Rimini in 2004.