Farewell to Michele Dancelli, legend of Italian cycling

John

By John

Brescia and Italian cycling are mourning the death of Michele Dancelli, one of the great protagonists of two wheels in the sixties and seventies. The former champion passed away at the age of 83, last October, in an RSA in Castenedolo, where he had been a guest for some time. Dancelli will forever remain in the history of cycling for his legendary feat at the 1970 Milan-Sanremo, won with an extraordinary solo breakaway of over 70 kilometres, which broke a 17-year fast for Italian cycling in the spring Classicissima. Professional from 1963 to 1974, Michele Dancelli was one of the most loved and respected athletes of his time. Over the course of his career he has collected around 80 victories, embellished with 11 stage successes at the Giro d’Italia, demonstrating great continuity and class on routes of all types. Added to his palmarès are two bronze medals at the World Championships, won in Imola in 1968 and in Zolder in 1969, confirming his value also on an international level. With Michele Dancelli goes a symbol of Italian cycling, an athlete who was able to enthuse fans and enthusiasts.