Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,711
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From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
Another +1 to Road to Valor. Quick, well-written book. I learned a lot, not only about Bartali's feats and bravery, but also about professional cycling in general during the 30's and 40's. I also learned much about the relationship between Italy and German during this period, the courting of Hitler by Mussolini, and the politicizing of sport.
Minor correction about the comment that Bartali was smuggling documents when this photo was taken. My recollection is that the smuggling happened while on duty as a messenger for the Italian government during the war years, but not while actually racing. Not that it takes away from his legacy, but I don't believe he would have been smuggling any documents when this photo was taken.
Last edited by gaucho777; 03-14-17 at 08:52 AM.