Dear Pirates,
Today is the last day of the Tour de France. New riders dominate the tour each year although some reign for many years.
One of the most talented cycle climbers in the recent past was Italian Marco Pantani.
His nickname was the pirate because of the bandara and earrings he wore.
Sadly he committed suicide at age 34 as he could not cope with life after a succesfull cycle career which had him in the midst of public attention. Drugs, depressions and loneliness made him decide to end his life. On this Pirate sunday we must remember him once more.
Merchandising was part of the craziness around him.
The steepest climbs did not harm Marco. He could easily do 25km per hour uphill, a speed I normally don't do on the flat. Unfortunately all riders at that time including the most known winners (like f****** Armstrong) used doping and so did Marco our Pirate. That is what you are pirate for of course. But if no one had used doping Marco would have won more big races as he was the most talented of his time.
Rest in peace!
bye
Goldrooster
for him an Italian gold coin