Nicknamed “Il Campionissimo”, Fausto Coppi is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists in history. His five Giro victories came across a career marked by climbing brilliance, strong time-trialling and tactical intelligence.

Coppi’s 1949 performance remains one of the defining moments of the race. His long-range attacks and mountain dominance helped create the image of the modern Grand Tour champion: elegant, courageous and almost untouchable on his best days.

Gino Bartali won the Giro d’Italia in 1936, 1937 and 1946. His career bridged the pre-war and post-war eras, making him a symbol of resilience as well as sporting excellence.

Beyond cycling, Bartali is remembered for his courage during World War II, when he used his training rides as cover to help transport documents. His legacy combines athletic greatness with rare moral strength.

Alfredo Binda was one of cycling’s earliest superstars. With five Giro victories, he set a standard of dominance that shaped the professional identity of the sport.

His superiority was so great that in 1930 he was famously paid not to race the Giro, a remarkable sign of how predictable his presence could make the competition appear.

Eddy Merckx won the Giro five times and brought an unmatched all-round ability to the race. He could climb, time trial, sprint and control a peloton with extraordinary authority.

His nickname, “The Cannibal”, reflected his hunger for victory. In the Giro, as in the Tour de France and the Classics, Merckx raced to win everything possible.

Marco Pantani won the Giro d’Italia in 1998, the same year he completed the rare Giro-Tour double. His explosive climbing style made him one of the most loved and emotional figures in modern cycling.

Pantani’s attacks on steep gradients were instinctive and spectacular. Although his career was marked by controversy and tragedy, his presence in the mountains remains unforgettable.

Vincenzo Nibali won the Giro in 2013 and 2016. Known for his descending skills, tactical intelligence and courage, he became one of the few riders to win all three Grand Tours.

Nibali’s victories showed the value of race reading: knowing when to attack, when to wait, and how to turn technical terrain into a decisive advantage.

Tadej Pogačar won the 2024 Giro d’Italia in his first participation, dominating the race with six stage victories and a commanding overall performance.

His success confirmed his status as one of the most complete riders of the modern era: aggressive in the mountains, efficient in time trials and tactically sharp under pressure.

Simon Yates won the 2025 Giro d’Italia, securing the Maglia Rosa after a decisive final mountain phase and completing one of the most important victories of his career.

His triumph added a modern chapter to the Giro’s long tradition of late-race drama, proving once again that the race can remain open until the final decisive climbs.