1968
digitized reversal film
© Archivio Publifoto Intesa Sanpaolo

Eddy Merckx, known as the “Cannibal” for his tenacious pursuit of victory, is considered–along with Fausto Coppi–one of the most legendary bicycle racers of all time: he won five Giri d’Italia, five Tours de France, one Vuelta in Spain, and set the record of 525 victories in 1800 races. During the years when the Giro d’Italia was an event eagerly awaited by the inhabitants of the localities crossed by the race, and all Italy was still divided between fans of Coppi and those of Bartali, crowds stood along the roads to watch the passage of the champions of racing on two wheels.