Last Updated: May 5, 2026 Marco Pantani (1970–2004) was the last cyclist to win both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia in the same year (1998). Nicknamed “Il Pirata” for his bandana and earrings, he was one of the greatest pure climbers in cycling history — his 1997 Alpe d’Huez ascent in 37’35” stood … Continue reading Marco Pantani: The Rise and Fall of Cycling’s Greatest Climber