Coppi, Fausto (Angelo) (1919-1960)

Italian cyclist. He won the Tour de France twice, 1949 and 1952, and the Giro d'Italia five times. In 1942 he set a new world one hour record of 45.848 km, a mark which was not surpassed until 1956.

He was born in Castellania, Piedmont. He won the Giro d'Italia for the first time 1940, the year he turned professional. After the end of World War II he became the leading figure in world cycling, not only triumphing on two occasions in the Tour de France but also winning the Giro d'Italia four times in seven years, 1947-53, and the World Road Race championship 1953. He also won 12 other Classic races including the Tour of Lombardy five times, 1946-49 and 1954, and the World Professional Pursuit title 1947 and 1949.