Fiorenzo Magni facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Fiorenzo Magni

Magni at the 1951 Tour de France
Personal information
Full name	Fiorenzo Magni
Nickname	Il leone delle Fiandre (The Lion of Flanders)
Born	(1920-12-07)7 December 1920 Vaiano, Italy
Died	19 October 2012(2012-10-19) (aged 91) Monza, Italy
Team information
Current team	Retired
Discipline	Road
Role	Rider
Major wins
Grand Tours Tour de France 7 individual stages (1949, 1950–1953) Giro d'Italia General classification (1948, 1951, 1955) 6 individual stages (1948, 1950, 1953, 1955) Vuelta a España Points classification (1955) 3 individual stages (1955) One-day races and Classics National Road Race Championships (1951, 1953, 1954) Tour of Flanders (1949, 1950, 1951)

Fiorenzo Magni (born December 7, 1920 – died October 19, 2012) was a famous Italian professional road racing cyclist. He was known for his amazing strength and determination, especially when racing in tough weather. Magni was often called Il leone delle Fiandre, which means "The Lion of Flanders," because he won the Tour of Flanders race three times in a row.

Early Life and Career

Fiorenzo Magni was born in Vaiano, Italy. He started cycling in 1936, keeping it a secret from his parents at first. When his early wins became known, his parents allowed him to continue his passion.

After his father passed away in 1937, Magni left school to help his family. He took over his father's business to earn money, but he still found time to train for cycling.

During World War II, Magni served in the military. After the war, he focused on professional road racing.

A Cycling Legend

Magni was a top cyclist during a special time in Italian cycling history. He raced alongside two other legendary riders, Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. Magni was often called the "third man" because he was almost as famous as these two rivals.

His biggest achievements include winning the Giro d'Italia three times: in 1948, 1951, and 1955. He also made history by winning the Tour of Flanders three years in a row (1949, 1950, and 1951).

Magni was especially good at racing in bad weather, like cold, windy, rainy, or snowy conditions. All his wins at the Tour of Flanders happened in very harsh weather.

Magni breaking the world record over 100 km at Velodromo Vigorelli on November 7, 1942.

Tough Moments in the Tour de France

Magni competed in the Tour de France from 1949 to 1953. He even wore the yellow jersey, which means he was leading the race at one point.

In the 1950 Tour de France, Magni was wearing the yellow jersey. However, he and all the other Italian riders had to leave the race. This happened because the captain of the Italian team, Bartali, felt threatened by some French fans. Even though Magni was leading, he chose to support his team.

Years later, when asked about leaving the Tour while in the lead, Magni said that some things are more important than winning a race, even one as big as the Tour de France.

Incredible Determination in the Giro d'Italia

One of Magni's most famous moments was in the 1956 Giro d'Italia. He broke his left collarbone during stage 12. Even with this serious injury, he refused to give up. He wanted to finish the race, especially since it was his last year of professional cycling.

Magni continued the race with his shoulder wrapped in a bandage. To help him steer and brake, he held a piece of rubber inner tube in his teeth. This gave him extra leverage since he couldn't use his injured arm properly.

Magni at the 1956 Giro d'Italia

Just a few days later, he crashed again, hitting his already broken collarbone and also breaking his arm. He passed out from the pain. When he woke up in the ambulance, he insisted on getting out and rejoining the race! He caught up to the other riders and finished the stage. For his incredible bravery, Italian actors nicknamed him "Fiorenzo the Magnificent."

Despite his severe injuries, Magni finished second overall in the 1956 Giro d'Italia. This showed his amazing courage and will to never give up.

Life After Cycling

After retiring from cycling, Magni started new businesses. In 1951, he began working with Moto Guzzi, a motorcycle company. Later, he sold cars for Lancia and then Opel. He also worked in the petroleum business.

Fiorenzo Magni stopped his business activities in 2009. He passed away on October 19, 2012, in Monza, Italy, at the age of 91.

Career Achievements

Major Results

Grand Tour Results Timeline

Grand Tour	1947	1948	1949	1950	1951	1952	1953	1954	1955	1956
Vuelta a España	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	13	—
Giro d'Italia	9	1	DNF	6	1	2	9	6	1	2
Tour de France	—	—	6	DNF	7	6	15	—	—	—

See also

• Legends of Italian sport - Walk of Fame