Long flight can be really boring if you are travelling alone. After watching Snowpiercer, I watched the documentary of Marco Pantani straight away. Pantani : The Accidental Death of a Cyclist is the name of the documentary. I have known this movie for a long time but couldn't find any free streaming version online.
The main reason I admire him is his pure climbing skill that is unmatched by any other cyclist of his time. I always dream of becoming a good climber on bike but I know I could never reach his level. The body type needed to be an excellent climber is something you born with, which is normally characterized by thin and slim body, and a high power to weight ratio. But I am stout and short, and my calves and thighs can easily gain huge muscle and weight. my body type just doesn't fit in.
There is a limit natural talent can carry you. To become a legend, it demands mental toughness. The fact that Pantani was able to going through a fatal accident, came back to the cycling stage after 2 years, and then proceeded by winning the Giro and the Tour in 1998, that requires a level of tenacity that can never be taught. Until this day, he remains the last man to have 2 grand tour victories in the same year.
His death can only be described as a tragedy. It can never be sure whether he was doping or not. But I choose to believe he was not. He is a supernova : shines bright, dies young. It is a shame that I am not there when he shines the brightest. Pantani is my hero, my favorite cyclist of all time.
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