Retro: Fausto Coppi races in Dublin in 1959

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As Giro d’Italia comes to Ireland, Cyclingnews remembers Il Campionissimo’s visit

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Fausto Coppi is greeted by Jim McQuaid and CRE president Paddy McQuaid on arrival at Dublin airport in 1959(Image credit: Darach McQuaid)

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Since landing in Dublin the previous afternoon, he has scarcely spoken a word to his hosts except to let it be known that his hotel was inadequate. If the republican bombing that blew a hole in the Santry track overnight bothers him, it’s impossible to tell. Until it’s time to race, his eyes stay hidden behind sunglasses, his expression stiff as cardboard.

Barry Ryan
Barry Ryan
Head of Features

Barry Ryan was Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation, published by Gill Books.