Gino Bartali was born for the Tour. An iron man, tireless, resistant to all conditions, with a proverbial health and strength uphill.

He won it only twice, because of ill fate and the specific historical moment. In 1937, the derailleur system was introduced to the Tour de France and Bartali dominated the mountains, but unfortunately his race ended in a river. In 1938 he was back at the Tour start, seeking victory. And he won with a wide margin of advantage. Because of the sanctions and the war, he could return to the Grande Boucle only 10 years later. And once more Bartali put on the yellow jersey, closing the over 20-minutes gap with Bobet and winning 7 stages.

Giancarlo Brocci