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Alfredo Binda

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Alfredo Binda was a dominant Italian road cyclist during the 1920s and 1930s.

Alfredo Binda 1927
Alfredo Binda 1927

He is widely considered one of the greatest cyclists to ever live. Binda achieved historic success by winning five editions of the Giro d'Italia. He was also a three-time World Champion, winning the title in 1927, 1930, and 1932.

Jersey rainbow
Jersey rainbow

His talent allowed him to excel in many different cycling disciplines. He was an exceptionally gifted time trialist and a powerful climber. These skills helped him win 41 stages of the Giro d'Italia. This was a record that stood until Mario Cipollini broke it in 2003.

Binda's journey to professional cycling began with a long, determined trip. Born in Cittiglio near Varese in 1902, he moved to Nice as a teenager. He worked as an apprentice plasterer to earn a living. However, he and his brother Primo spent their free time cycling. In 1924, Binda rode from Nice to Milan to compete in the Tour of Lombardy. He specifically wanted to win a 500 lire prize for the Ghisallo climb. He won the prize and finished fourth in the race. This performance earned him a professional contract with the Legnano team.

His early career was defined by intense competition and intense rivalries. In 1925, Binda made his debut in the Giro d'Italia. He defeated the legendary champion Costante Girardengo at just 23 years old. This victory was unpopular with many Italian fans who supported Girardengo. The two men developed a caustic and deeply personal rivalry. Later, the public also supported Learco Guerra, whom Girardengo called his heir. Guerra was a popular track rider with the support of the Italian Fascist Party.

Jersey pink
Jersey pink

Binda's personality often clashed with the expectations of the sporting public. While Guerra was seen as open and expansive, Binda was viewed as cold. He was sometimes described as detached or even pompous. Binda did not care about creating a spectacle for the fans. He famously stated that he was simply in the business of winning races. This focus on pure victory caused the public's antipathy to grow. However, his skill was undeniable, and he eventually won over the public. This shift happened after he won his third World Championship in 1932.

Binda's statistical achievements in racing are truly remarkable. He won the Giro d'Italia in 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1933. In 1927, he achieved a massive feat by winning 12 out of 15 stages. During the 1929 Giro, he won eight consecutive stages. He also won the first-ever King of the Mountains competition in 1933.

Jersey yellow
Jersey yellow

In addition to his Giro wins, he won the Tour of Lombardy four times. He also secured two victories at Milan–San Remo. By the end of his career, Binda had won over 120 total races.

Beyond his individual wins, Binda changed the sport through his methods. He redefined how cyclists approached both training and racing methodology. He was so dominant that the Gazzetta dello Sport once offered him 22,500 lire to skip the 1930 Giro. Instead of skipping it, he competed in the Tour de France and won two stages.

Jersey rainbow
Jersey rainbow

His influence extended to the next generation of riders. After retiring, he managed the Italian National team. Under his leadership, famous riders like Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali won the Tour de France. He also managed Gastone Nencini during his successful Tour de France campaign.

Today, the legacy of Alfredo Binda remains very active in cycling. His name is used to honor his immense contributions to the sport. A professional women's race called the Trofeo Alfredo Binda-Comune di Cittiglio is held in his honor.

MaillotItalia
MaillotItalia

Additionally, the Società Ciclistica Alfredo Binda carries his name. His career serves as a bridge between the early era of cycling and the modern professional age. He proved that discipline and a focus on winning could redefine an entire sport.

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Bronze medal blank
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Alfredo Binda 1927.jpg
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Jersey rainbow.svg
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