Imerio Massignan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Imerio Massignan

Massignan in 1962
Personal information
Born	(1937-01-02)2 January 1937 Valmarana di Altavilla Vicentina, Italy
Died	3 May 2024(2024-05-03) (aged 87) Novi Ligure, Italy
Team information
Discipline	Road
Role	Rider
Rider type	Climber
Major wins
Grand Tours Tour de France Mountains classification (1960, 1961)

Imerio Massignan (born January 2, 1937 – died May 3, 2024) was a famous Italian professional road cyclist. He was known as a "pure climber." This means he was especially good at riding bikes up steep mountains. Massignan competed in many big races, including the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France.

He started his professional career in 1959. He quickly showed his talent for climbing. Massignan achieved great results in the biggest cycling events. He won the "Mountains classification" twice in the Tour de France. This award goes to the best climber in the race.

Early Career and Success

Imerio Massignan became a professional cyclist in 1959. His first big race was the 1959 Giro d'Italia. He finished in a very impressive 5th place overall. This showed everyone his strong climbing skills.

In the following years, Massignan continued to do well. He often placed high in major races. He was known for his ability to handle tough mountain stages.

Tour de France Achievements

Massignan had great success at the Tour de France. This is one of the most famous cycling races in the world. He won the Mountains classification in both 1960 and 1961. This means he was the best climber in those races.

In the 1961 Tour de France, he also finished 4th overall. This was a fantastic achievement. He also won a stage in that year's race. A stage win means he was the fastest on one particular day of the race.

Giro d'Italia Highlights

The Giro d'Italia is another very important cycling race in Italy. Massignan also performed well here. In 1960, he finished 4th overall.

His best result in the Giro d'Italia came in 1962. He finished 2nd overall in the 1962 Giro d'Italia. This was a very close race. He was just behind the winner, Franco Balmamion.

Later Career and Retirement

After his peak years, Massignan continued to race. He maintained good form for several more seasons. He was always a strong competitor in mountain stages.

Imerio Massignan retired from professional cycling in 1969. He left behind a legacy as one of Italy's top climbers. He is remembered for his exciting performances in the mountains.

Major Race Results

Here are some of Imerio Massignan's most important results:

1959

• Giro d'Italia:
  • 5th place overall classification

1960

• Tour de France:
  • Winner Mountains classification
  • 10th place overall classification
• Giro d'Italia:
  • 4th place overall classification

1961

• Tour de France:
  • Winner Mountains classification
  • Winner stage 16
  • 4th place overall classification
• Giro di Lombardia:
  • 2nd place

1962

• Tour de France:
  • 7th place overall classification
• Giro d'Italia:
  • 2nd place overall classification

1963

• Giro d'Italia:
  • 7th place overall classification

1965

• Giro d'Italia:
  • 9th place overall classification