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By Barry Boyce, CyclingRevealed Historian
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Fausto Coppi's Record Setting 5th Lombardia Victory
The 48th edition of the Giro di Lombardia was held on October 31, 1954.
Four-time Giro di Lombardia winner Fausto Coppi came to Milan dealing with personal problems caused by the arrest of his mistress (Giulia Occhini, the Woman in White) for adultery a month earlier. Coppi entered the race seeking an escape from the turmoil surrounding the affair.
Coppi was off his form of previous years and did not break away from the group on his usual launching pad, the Ghisallo Pass. Team Welter’s Valerio Chiarlone led over the summit with Coppi chasing a few seconds behind.
A ten-rider group formed and rode into the velodrome to contest the sprint. Coppi, pushing a huge gear, attacked immediately. Only Fiorenzo Magni could hold his wheel. Fausto Coppi held off Magni’s challenge and crossed the finish line for his FIFTH Lombardia victory!
Coppi leading Magni (R) over the finish line
| GdL October 31, 1954 |
| 222 Km, Milan-Milan |
1.
Fausto COPPI (Ita) 5h51'33" |
| 2.
Fiorenzo Magni (Ita) |
| 3.
Mino De Rossi (Ita) |
| Starters: 127 |
| Finishers: 83 |
| Average Speed: 37.415 km/h |
Lomb 1953
Lomb 1955
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