I am so sad to see him go. I remember back in 1998, on the day of
the Tour Prologue, I was racing a timetrial that was similar in
length to the Prologue. I remember finishing my race with a faster
overall speed and time than he did for a similar course. I was
pretty new to the sport and didn't know much about Marco, I remember
saying to myself how could a guy so slow be a Pro. Then later in
that Tour, I got my first experience of watching him climb in the
Mountains. Then I understood why he was a Pro. It was poetry. He
was so soft spoken and quiet, strange for an Italian racer with his
name recognition. After the scandals no one let him be, they just
attacked him. He was all alone. I am saddened by this and wish I
had another opportunity to watch him race again. So long "Il Pirata"!

David.

--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen
<no_reply@y...> wrote:
> Hi All
> For those who dont already know, on 14th Feburary 2004, Marco
> Pantani was found dead in a Hotel room in Italy - he was 34. No
> reason for death has been established yet, that wont be made
> available until after an autopsy.
> We say goodbye to a larger than life character, a great cyclist and
> an inspiration to many.
> Rest in peace Marco - we remember 1998 with fondness.
> :-(
>
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/roadracingukandireland