Breakaway Victory for Girardengo
The 19th edition of Milan-San Remo Classicissima was held on March 21, 1926.
The eighty-nine international riders started in Milan at 6:15 am with cold temperatures, strong wind, and periods of snow. The weather hindered the pace of the peloton for most of the day.
The stage was set for the much-anticipated M-SR battle between Costante Girardengo (Wolsit) and a young Alfredo Binda (Legnano)!!!
Race Status:
The first breakaway came after Voghera (60 km into the race / 287 km), Giovanni Brunero and Pietro Linari, both Binda Legnano teammates, separated from the slow-moving peloton. The chase lasted 30 km, and the breakaway was caught in Novi Ligure (90 km / 287 km).
Climbing the Passo Turchino (131 km / 287 km), Girardengo was delayed by a puncture, but he recovered quickly and started to chase the leaders.
Antonio Negrini, a ‘Gira’ teammate passed the summit of Turchino first to win the Mountain preme. Girardengo trailed by 20”.
The race final selection came on the climb in Piani d'Invrea (175 km / 287 km). The Girardengo (Wolsit) broke away with Nello Ciaccheri (Legnano), who did not contribute to the pace because his team captain Binda was chasing.
Two pre-race favorites Alfredo Binda (Legnano) and Giovanni Brunero (Legnano), struggled with a difficult day, both abandoned the race in Finale Ligure (220 km / 287 km).
After Loano (227 km / 287 km), Girardengo left Ciaccheri and broke away solo. Despite having a crash and two punctures, he built a four-minute lead. He rode alone to the finish.
The "Campionissimo", who rode through heavy rain along the Mediterranean coast, finished a brilliant solo breakaway in San Remo. He rolled across the finish line 6’40” ahead of Nello Ciaccheri (Legnano-Pirelli) and claimed the prestigious victory.
This was Constante Girardengo’s record setting 5th (!!!) Milan-San Remo victory.
M-SR March 21, 1926 / 287 Km |
1.
Costante GIRARDENGO (Ita) 9h48'00" |
2.
Nello Ciaccheri (Ita) +6'40"
|
3.
Egidio Picchiottino (Ita) +11'15"
|
Starters: 89 / Finishers: 34  Average Speed : 29.234 km/h |
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M-SR 1925
M-SR 1927
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