FABIO CASARTELLI

Fabio Casartelli was born in Como on August 16, 1970, and lived with his family - father Sergio (a former amateur cyclist) and mother Rosa - in Albese con Cassano. He started cycling at a very young age; already at nine years old, he was riding for the Mobili Zappa team from Cremnago (in the Primavera category). He "signed" 40 victories in four years, the first one in Orsenigo, just a few steps from home, showing his characteristics as a fast-paced rider. He then moved to U.C. Puginatese (as a beginner and in his first season as an amateur), where he only achieved placements, while with G.S.C. Breccia (still as an amateur), he secured a victory.

His debut as a junior was with one of the most prestigious teams in the province of Como, the Comense-Banca Briantea. Wearing the red and blue jersey, Casartelli stood out three times in his first year (notably in Cucciago and Pinarolo Po) and once in the second. However, halfway through his second year as a junior, an annoying virus (mononucleosis) forced him to take a long break. The resilient and determined cyclist from Albese - who meanwhile obtained a diploma in electrical engineering - did not lose heart; he reacted with great character and achieved two goals upon transitioning to the second series of amateurs (which occurred in 1989 with Remac from Brescia).

Three victories in '90, with the new team (Diana). In July, another setback: he was hit by a car in Pistoia and missed the second half of the season. Casartelli recovered from this mishap as well and returned to cycling in '91. The team was Domus '87 from Bergamo, led by Olivano Locatelli. It was here that his talent emerged definitively with seven victories (with Montecarlo-Alassio and G.P. Capodarco being the most significant).

1992 was his magical year, with ten victories including a streak of four "international" wins: once again the Montecarlo-Alassio, the G.P. Diano Marina, the Trofeo Longera ZSSDI in Slovenia, and the Trofeo Caduti di Soprazocco. Finally, the Olympic "gem" on August 2nd in Barcelona projected him into the legend of cycling. Naturally, the best professional teams sought his services. The "Ceramiche Ariostea" team prevailed, a team rich in talent, where Fabio immediately provided comforting performances.

He triumphed in the Flero stage of the "Settimana Bergamasca" and made a great debut in the Giro d'Italia by winning the G.P. Lotteria classification (intermediate sprints).

At the Tour de Suisse, only Johan Museeuw surpasses him in sprints, but what stops him is a scaphoid fracture that prevents him from winning the points classification, which was already within his grasp, and also compromises the rest of his season.

In 1994, Casartelli moved to "ZG Mobili-Selle Italia-Bottecchia," a year of torment due to a series of physical troubles, culminating in a knee operation, which limits his performances and results. In essence, Fabio has to start from scratch again. He chooses "Motorola" led by Lance Armstrong, an ambitious multinational team, where he reunites with his friend Andrea Peron.

The advice of sports director James Ochowicz and team manager Hennie Kuiper, the presence of Dr. Massimo Testa, the doctor from Como who "guided" Fabio towards "Motorola," all benefit Casartelli. In an environment ideal for him, he finds his morale again and discovers new goals. He confides in his closest friends that he aims to regain the sensations and form that made him great in 1992. Unfortunately, destiny once again is not kind to him, as he struggles to demonstrate it.

At the Tour de Suisse, only Johan Museeuw surpasses him in sprints, but what stops him is a scaphoid fracture that prevents him from winning the points classification, which was already within his grasp, and also compromises the rest of his season.

In 1994, Casartelli moved to "ZG Mobili-Selle Italia-Bottecchia," a year of torment due to a series of physical troubles, culminating in a knee operation, which limits his performances and results. In essence, Fabio has to start from scratch again. He chooses "Motorola" led by Lance Armstrong, an ambitious multinational team, where he reunites with his friend Andrea Peron.

The advice of sports director James Ochowicz and team manager Hennie Kuiper, the presence of Dr. Massimo Testa, the doctor from Como who "guided" Fabio towards "Motorola," all benefit Casartelli. In an environment ideal for him, he finds his morale again and discovers new goals. He confides in his closest friends that he aims to regain the sensations and form that made him great in 1992. Unfortunately, destiny once again is not kind to him, as he struggles to demonstrate it.