All the Giro d’Italia Winners from 1909 to Today

All the Giro d’Italia Winners from 1909 to Today

The Giro d’Italia, one of cycling’s three Grand Tours alongside the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, has a storied history that stretches back to 1909. Over more than a century, it has crowned champions whose names have become synonymous with cycling excellence, showcasing not only raw talent but also incredible endurance, tactical skill, and the ability to conquer some of the sport’s most challenging terrain.

The race is renowned for its grueling mountain stages, with iconic climbs such as the Passo dello Stelvio, Gavia Pass, and Mortirolo testing riders’ limits year after year. Many champions have distinguished themselves through their prowess in these high-altitude challenges, as well as in time trials and long, punishing flat stages where strategy and stamina are equally important.

Throughout its history, the Giro has celebrated legendary figures such as Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, Eddy Merckx, and more recently, riders like Vincenzo Nibali and Tadej Pogačar, each leaving a unique mark on the race. These riders not only achieved remarkable victories but also performed feats that have become legendary in cycling folklore, from solo breakaways in the mountains to breathtaking sprints on the final stage in Milan.

Every Giro winner contributes to the rich narrative of the race, representing perseverance, courage, and strategic brilliance. Their achievements inspire both professional cyclists and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the Giro d’Italia’s reputation as a true test of human endurance and cycling mastery.

Below is an overview of the most notable Giro d’Italia champions, from the first edition in 1909 to the latest editions, celebrating the athletes who have shaped this iconic race and its enduring legacy.

 

All Giro d’Italia Winners from 1909 to Today

Fausto Coppi: The Champion of Champions

Nicknamed “Il Campionissimo” or “The Champion of Champions,” Fausto Coppi is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists in history. His career was marked by extraordinary versatility, combining explosive climbing, strong time-trialling, and tactical intelligence to dominate races in a way few riders have ever matched.

Coppi won the Giro d’Italia five times in 1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953 demonstrating remarkable consistency across more than a decade. His victories symbolized the resilience and renewal of Italy in the post-war era, making him not only a sporting hero but also a cultural icon.

One of Coppi’s most legendary moments came in 1949, when he executed a stunning solo breakaway on the Pordoi Pass, a feat still celebrated as one of the most breathtaking climbs in cycling history. His ability to attack decisively in the mountains and maintain speed over long distances set him apart from his contemporaries.

Equally compelling was his famous rivalry with Gino Bartali, which captivated Italian fans and fueled national interest in cycling throughout the 1940s and 1950s. While Bartali’s victories represented tradition and resilience, Coppi symbolized innovation, daring, and the future of the sport. Their duels on Italian roads helped elevate cycling to one of Italy’s most beloved sports, inspiring generations of fans and cyclists alike.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Coppi was admired for his elegance, intelligence, and determination, traits that contributed to his enduring legacy. Today, he remains a symbol of excellence and passion in cycling, his achievements in the Giro d’Italia and other races a benchmark for greatness in the sport.

 

Gino Bartali: The Fighting Spirit of Italian Cycling

Gino Bartali is remembered not only as a legendary cyclist but also as a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination. Known for his fighting spirit and tenacity, Bartali won the Giro d’Italia three times in 1936, 1937, and 1946 demonstrating his ability to dominate both before and after the turbulence of World War II.

Bartali’s racing style was defined by endurance, strategic climbing, and an unyielding will to win. He often launched decisive attacks in the mountains, using his strength and tactical intelligence to gain advantage over rivals. His performances on the Giro’s legendary climbs solidified his reputation as one of Italy’s finest cyclists.

However, Bartali’s legacy extends far beyond sport. During World War II, he became a hero of civil courage, using his cycling as a cover to transport false documents and identification papers, helping save hundreds of Jewish lives. His actions off the bike earned him recognition as a moral and national hero, demonstrating that bravery and determination extend far beyond competition.

Bartali’s 1946 Giro victory, coming just after the war, is remembered as one of the most symbolic and inspiring moments in Italian cycling history. This triumph not only celebrated his athletic prowess but also served as a beacon of hope and renewal for a nation recovering from conflict.

Today, Gino Bartali is celebrated as both a champion cyclist and a humanitarian, a figure whose impact resonates in sports, history, and Italian culture. His story reminds us that greatness in cycling can coexist with courage, honor, and service to others.

 

Eddy Merckx: The Cannibal of the Giro d’Italia

Eddy Merckx, the legendary Belgian cyclist nicknamed “The Cannibal” for his insatiable appetite for victory, is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. Merckx’s career was defined by his versatility, relentless competitiveness, and dominance across all types of races, from one-day classics to the grand tours.

In the Giro d’Italia, Merckx claimed victory five times in 1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, and 1974 showcasing his extraordinary ability to excel in mountain stages, time trials, and sprints. His dominance was so complete that few could challenge him, and he often won races not just by seconds but by decisive margins.

Merckx’s riding style was a perfect blend of power, endurance, and tactical intelligence. He could climb relentlessly in the Alps and Dolomites, maintain blistering speeds in time trials, and out-sprint the fastest competitors on flat finishes. This all-around excellence earned him the moniker “The Cannibal,” as he seemed to devour every stage, leaving little opportunity for rivals.

Beyond his Giro victories, Merckx’s achievements include multiple Tour de France wins, Monuments classics, and world championships, cementing his legacy as a cyclist who transcended disciplines and eras. His approach to racing—relentless attack, mental toughness, and physical supremacy set new standards in professional cycling and inspired generations of riders.

Merckx’s legacy in the Giro d’Italia is not merely measured in wins but in the sheer authority with which he raced. Every stage he contested became a showcase of his unmatched talent, strategic brilliance, and insatiable desire to dominate, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with greatness in cycling history.

 

Alfredo Binda: The Pioneer of Cycling Dominance

Alfredo Binda is widely recognized as one of the first true legends of professional cycling, a rider whose dominance in the Giro d’Italia set new standards for excellence. Binda won the Giro five times in 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1933 establishing himself as the undisputed master of Italian cycling during the 1920s and 1930s.

Binda’s supremacy was evident in every race he entered. His climbing, time-trialing, and tactical intelligence were unmatched, allowing him to dominate both individual stages and the general classification. His ability to maintain consistency and pace over long, grueling courses made him a formidable competitor and often left rivals far behind.

Binda’s dominance was so absolute that it shocked the cycling world. In 1930, the Giro d’Italia organizers went so far as to pay him not to compete, fearing that his presence would make the race predictable and reduce public interest. This extraordinary measure underscores the level of superiority Binda exhibited he was simply in a league of his own.

Beyond his victories, Binda helped define professional cycling as a sport of strategy, endurance, and skill. He became a benchmark for future champions, inspiring generations of riders to emulate his discipline, intelligence, and competitive drive.

Alfredo Binda’s legacy in the Giro d’Italia is that of a pioneer who transformed the sport, demonstrating how talent, strategy, and consistency could combine to achieve historic success. He remains a symbol of early cycling greatness, his achievements a testament to the enduring power of determination and skill.

 

Marco Pantani: The Pirate of the Mountains

Marco Pantani, affectionately nicknamed “Il Pirata” (The Pirate) for his bandana and rugged appearance, remains one of the most beloved and enigmatic figures in modern cycling history. Pantani was celebrated for his explosive climbing abilities, which allowed him to attack and dominate the steepest mountain passes like few riders ever have.

Pantani’s most remarkable achievement came in 1998, when he won the Giro d’Italia in spectacular fashion, conquering legendary climbs such as the Mortirolo and the Stelvio Pass. That same year, he went on to claim the Tour de France, achieving the rare and prestigious Giro-Tour double, a feat accomplished by only a handful of cyclists in history. His daring attacks, fearless descents, and ability to create gaps in the mountains made him a fan favorite and a symbol of pure attacking spirit.

However, Pantani’s career was also marked by controversy and tragedy. Despite his brilliance, he faced multiple doping allegations, which overshadowed some of his greatest victories. Beyond the scandals, Pantani struggled with personal difficulties, and his life was tragically cut short in 2004, leaving fans and the cycling world mourning the loss of one of the sport’s brightest talents.

Marco Pantani’s legacy goes beyond his victories; he is remembered for his passion, courage, and unforgettable presence in the mountains. For many, Pantani embodies the romantic, daring side of cycling the rider who attacks with heart and soul, inspiring generations of cyclists to embrace the thrill and challenge of the sport.

 

Vincenzo Nibali: The Shark of the Strait

Vincenzo Nibali, affectionately known as “Lo Squalo dello Stretto” (The Shark of the Strait), is one of the most accomplished and versatile cyclists of the modern era. Celebrated for his fearless descents, strategic climbing, and all-around racing intelligence, Nibali has earned a reputation as a rider who thrives in the most challenging and varied conditions of professional cycling.

Nibali claimed the Giro d’Italia twice, in 2013 and 2016, showcasing his exceptional ability to combine aggressive mountain attacks with calculated racing strategy. His victories were marked not only by physical strength but also by his mastery of descents—where he often gained decisive advantages over rivals. Nibali’s tactical acumen, calm under pressure, and ability to read races made him a formidable contender in every stage.

A true Grand Tour specialist, Nibali is among the elite group of cyclists who have won all three Grand Tours: the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France (2014), and the Vuelta a España (2010). This rare achievement highlights his versatility, consistency, and resilience, proving his dominance across different terrains, climates, and competitive fields.

Beyond his victories, Nibali is admired for his sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication. Whether mentoring younger riders, executing team strategies, or taking bold initiatives in decisive moments, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism and passion for cycling.

Vincenzo Nibali’s legacy in the Giro d’Italia and global cycling extends beyond his wins. He represents the modern all-round champion a rider capable of attacking, defending, and inspiring, combining technical skill, mental strength, and courage to excel in the most demanding races.

 

Tadej Pogačar: A Historic Giro d’Italia Debut

Tadej Pogačar, the young Slovenian prodigy, made a spectacular entrance into the Giro d’Italia by winning the 2024 edition in stunning fashion. This victory marked his first participation in the Giro, making his achievement even more remarkable and historic.

Pogačar dominated the race from start to finish, taking the leader’s jersey as early as stage two and never relinquishing it. Over the course of the Giro, he claimed six stage wins, demonstrating not only his climbing prowess and time-trialing skill but also his consistency and tactical intelligence across varied terrain. His performance was commanding: he finished nearly ten minutes ahead of Colombian rider Daniel Martinez, with Geraint Thomas of Great Britain rounding out the podium in third place. This margin of victory is the largest seen in the Giro since 1965, a testament to Pogačar’s exceptional talent and determination.

Known for his aggressive racing style, smooth pedaling, and mental toughness, Pogačar combines the best traits of modern cycling: endurance, speed, and an uncanny ability to seize critical moments. His historic win adds another chapter to his already impressive career, which includes multiple Tour de France victories, and further cements his reputation as one of cycling’s brightest young stars.

The 2024 Giro d’Italia victory not only highlights Pogačar’s extraordinary skill and potential but also strengthens the legacy of the race itself. Like the champions before him Coppi, Bartali, Merckx, Pantani, and Nibali Pogačar has written an unforgettable chapter in the history of the Giro, ensuring that this prestigious Grand Tour continues to captivate cycling fans worldwide.

 

Here’s a list of all the Giro d’Italia winners from 1909:

Year	Winner	Country
1909-1950
1909	Luigi Ganna	Italy
1910	Carlo Galetti	Italy
1911	Carlo Galetti	Italy
1912	Atala (Team classification)	Italy
1913	Carlo Oriani	Italy
1914	Alfonso Calzolari	Italy
1915-1918	Not held (World War I)
1919	Costante Girardengo	Italy
1920	Gaetano Belloni	Italy
1921	Giovanni Brunero	Italy
1922	Giovanni Brunero	Italy
1923	Costante Girardengo	Italy
1924	Giuseppe Enrici	Italy
1925	Alfredo Binda	Italy
1926	Giovanni Brunero	Italy
1927	Alfredo Binda	Italy
1928	Alfredo Binda	Italy
1929	Alfredo Binda	Italy
1930	Luigi Marchisio	Italy
1931	Francesco Camusso	Italy
1932	Antonio Pesenti	Italy
1933	Alfredo Binda	Italy
1934	Learco Guerra	Italy
1935	Vasco Bergamaschi	Italy
1936	Gino Bartali	Italy
1937	Gino Bartali	Italy
1938	Giovanni Valetti	Italy
1939	Giovanni Valetti	Italy
1940	Fausto Coppi	Italy
1941-1945	Not held (World War II)
1946	Gino Bartali	Italy
1947	Fausto Coppi	Italy
1948	Fiorenzo Magni	Italy
1949	Fausto Coppi	Italy
1950	Hugo Koblet	Switzerland
1951-2000
1951	Fiorenzo Magni	Italy
1952	Fausto Coppi	Italy
1953	Fausto Coppi	Italy
1954	Carlo Clerici	Switzerland
1955	Fiorenzo Magni	Italy
1956	Charly Gaul	Luxembourg
1957	Gastone Nencini	Italy
1958	Ercole Baldini	Italy
1959	Charly Gaul	Luxembourg
1960	Jacques Anquetil	France
1961	Arnaldo Pambianco	Italy
1962	Franco Balmamion	Italy
1963	Franco Balmamion	Italy
1964	Jacques Anquetil	France
1965	Vittorio Adorni	Italy
1966	Gianni Motta	Italy
1967	Felice Gimondi	Italy
1968	Eddy Merckx	Belgium
1969	Felice Gimondi	Italy
1970	Eddy Merckx	Belgium
1971	Gösta Pettersson	Sweden
1972	Eddy Merckx	Belgium
1973	Eddy Merckx	Belgium
1974	Eddy Merckx	Belgium
1975	Fausto Bertoglio	Italy
1976	Felice Gimondi	Italy
1977	Michel Pollentier	Belgium
1978	Johan De Muynck	Belgium
1979	Giuseppe Saronni	Italy
1980	Bernard Hinault	France
1981	Giovanni Battaglin	Italy
1982	Bernard Hinault	France
1983	Giuseppe Saronni	Italy
1984	Francesco Moser	Italy
1985	Bernard Hinault	France
1986	Roberto Visentini	Italy
1987	Stephen Roche	Ireland
1988	Andrew Hampsten	USA
1989	Laurent Fignon	France
1990	Gianni Bugno	Italy
1991	Franco Chioccioli	Italy
1992	Miguel Indurain	Spain
1993	Miguel Indurain	Spain
1994	Evgenij Berzin	Russia
1995	Tony Rominger	Switzerland
1996	Pavel Tonkov	Russia
1997	Ivan Gotti	Italy
1998	Marco Pantani	Italy
1999	Ivan Gotti	Italy
2000	Stefano Garzelli	Italy
2001-2024
2001	Gilberto Simoni	Italy
2002	Paolo Savoldelli	Italy
2003	Gilberto Simoni	Italy
2004	Damiano Cunego	Italy
2005	Paolo Savoldelli	Italy
2006	Ivan Basso	Italy
2007	Danilo Di Luca	Italy
2008	Alberto Contador	Spain
2009	Denis Menchov	Russia
2010	Ivan Basso	Italy
2011	Michele Scarponi	Italy
2012	Ryder Hesjedal	Canada
2013	Vincenzo Nibali	Italy
2014	Nairo Quintana	Colombia
2015	Alberto Contador	Spain
2016	Vincenzo Nibali	Italy
2017	Tom Dumoulin	Netherlands
2018	Chris Froome	United Kingdom
2019	Richard Carapaz	Ecuador
2020	Tao Geoghegan Hart	United Kingdom
2021	Egan Bernal	Colombia
2022	Jai Hindley	Australia
2023	Primož Roglič	Slovenia
2024	Tadej Pogačar	Slovenia