The Legacy of Marco Pantani: Remembering the Pirate of the Peaks

RIMANI, 17 February 2026 — Exactly twenty-two years and three days since his tragic passing, the name Marco Pantani continues to resonate through the mountain passes of Europe. Known affectionately as “Il Pirata” (The Pirate) for his signature bandana, earring, and aggressive climbing style, Pantani remains the last Italian to have conquered the Tour de France and one of the most enigmatic figures in sporting history.

The Historic Double of 1998

In the annals of professional cycling, the “Double”—winning the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same calendar year—is considered the ultimate test of endurance and skill. Pantani achieved this feat in 1998, a year that defined his career and cemented his status as a legend.

His victory in the 1998 Tour de France was particularly notable for his performance in the Alps. During Stage 15 to Les Deux Alpes, Pantani launched a long-range attack in torrential rain and freezing temperatures, overturning a significant deficit to Jan Ullrich. He became the first Italian winner of the Tour since Felice Gimondi in 1965.

Key Statistics and Achievements

Pantani’s career was marked by explosive climbing and a refusal to ride defensively. Below is a summary of his major Grand Tour performances:

The Style of “Il Pirata”

Pantani did not just win; he won with a flair that captured the public imagination. He was a pure climber, often struggling in time trials but making up for lost time with devastating accelerations on the steepest gradients. His habit of discarding his bandana before a decisive attack became a signal to rivals and fans alike that the race was about to explode.

The Rivalry with Jan Ullrich

The late 1990s were defined by the contrast between Pantani and the German powerhouse Jan Ullrich. While Ullrich represented the modern, calculated approach to cycling, Pantani was the romantic throwback to an era of instinct and suffering. Their battle during the 1998 Tour remains one of the most discussed chapters in the race’s history.

Controversy and the Final Years

The height of Pantani’s success was followed by a rapid and public decline. In 1999, while leading the Giro d’Italia, he was expelled from the race due to irregular blood values (high haematocrit levels). Although he was never officially banned for a positive doping test during that event, the incident began a downward spiral of legal battles and depression.

Pantani’s final stage wins came in the 2000 Tour de France, where he famously battled Lance Armstrong on Mont Ventoux. However, he was never able to recapture the consistency of his 1998 season. He passed away on 14 February 2004 in Rimini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the last rider to win the Giro-Tour double?

Marco Pantani was the last rider to achieve the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France double in the same year (1998) for over two decades. He is one of only eight riders in history to have accomplished this feat.

How many Tour de France stages did Pantani win?

Marco Pantani won a total of eight stages at the Tour de France across his career, with his most famous victories occurring in the high mountains of the Alps and Pyrenees.

What was Pantani’s nickname?

He was known as “Il Pirata” (The Pirate) because of his shaved head, bandana, and earrings, a look he adopted in the mid-1990s.

Where was Marco Pantani born?

He was born on 13 January 1970 in Cesena, Italy.