Gimondi was born in Sedrina, Italy, and began his cycling career in the early 1960s. He quickly made a name for himself with his strong performances in amateur races.
Tour de France 1965: Gimondi achieved a significant early career milestone by winning the Tour de France in 1965. This victory came when he was just 22 years old, making him one of the youngest winners of the race.
Giro d’Italia Success: Gimondi had a special affinity for his home Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia. He won it three times (in 1967, 1969, and 1976), demonstrating his prowess in stage races and climbing abilities.
Vuelta a España 1968: He completed his Grand Tour collection by winning the Vuelta a España in 1968, further solidifying his status as one of the best stage racers of his time.
Rivalries and Competitors: Gimondi’s career overlapped with some of the greatest cyclists in history, including Eddy Merckx, his chief rival. Despite often coming second to Merckx, Gimondi held his own and maintained a high level of competitiveness throughout his career.
Classic Races and Other Successes: Gimondi also had success in one-day races, with wins in the Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo, and the Giro di Lombardia.
Retirement and Legacy: After retiring from professional cycling, Gimondi remained involved in the sport, working in various capacities, including team management. In his honor, the Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi, an annual amateur cycling event, was established, attracting cyclists from around the world to ride through the Italian countryside.
Height and Weight
Felice Gimondi’s height was approximately 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in), and his racing weight during his professional career was typically around 71 kg (157 lb).
Bike Size
Felice Gimondi had a bike frame size typically tailored to his height and body proportions. Gimondi was about 1.82 meters (5 feet 11.5 inches) tall, and his bike frames were likely in the range of 56 to 58 centimeters, depending on the specific geometry and type of bike he used.
This range is typical for someone of his height in road cycling, where precise fitting ensures optimum performance and comfort. However, exact details about his bike size could vary based on personal preference, the team he rode with, and the era’s frame design standards.
How many times Felice Gimondi won the Tour de France?
Felice Gimondi won the Tour de France once, in 1965. He achieved this remarkable feat during his first attempt at the Tour, making him one of the few cyclists to win the Tour de France in their debut year.
How many times Felice Gimondi won the Giro D’Italia?
Felice Gimondi won the Giro d’Italia three times in his career. His victories in the Giro came in 1967, 1969, and 1976. Gimondi’s success in the Giro d’Italia, along with his wins in the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, established him as one of the cycling greats and a prominent figure in Italian cycling history.
Felice Gimondi’s Net Worth
Felice Gimondi’s exact net worth was never publicly disclosed, and estimates vary depending on the source. As a celebrated cyclist with a career spanning multiple decades and numerous endorsements, Gimondi likely earned a substantial income. However, professional cyclists from his era generally did not earn as much as modern athletes, who benefit from larger sponsorship deals, broader media coverage, and global endorsement opportunities.
Felice Gimondi‘s Cause of Death
Felice Gimondi’s cause of death was a heart attack. He passed away on 16 August 2019 while swimming during a vacation in Sicily. He was 76 years old at the time of his death. His sudden death was a significant loss to the cycling community and his many fans around the world.