- In 1998, Pantani became the last cyclist to win both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia in the same season. He was the first Italian to win the Tour de France since Felice Gimondi in 1965.
- In 1999, he was disqualified from the Giro d'Italia, which he was leading, when he failed a blood haematocrit test. In 2000, he was found guilty of "sporting fraud" after tests showed use of illegal performance-enhancing products. He was fined and banned from competing for six months.
- Won of Stage 12 of the Tour de France, climbing the summit of Mont Ventoux ahead of American Lance Armstrong. Armstrong was later critized when he said he "let" Pantani win the stage. It would be the last win of Pantani's career. (13 July 2000)
- Italian cyclist, regarded as the best climber in professional cycling of his generation.
- Won both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia in 1998.
- Under investigation by Italian magistrates, he spent the last few years attempting to clear his name and regain his form.
- Came back and finished a respectable 14th in the 2003 Giro d'Italia, but entered a severe depression after his Mercatone Uno team was not invited to compete in the 100th Tour de France. In late June 2003 he checked into a psychiatric clinic to treat his depression and drug use.
- He was nicknamed "Il Pirata" or "The Pirate" because of his shaved head, bandana, and earring he always wore.
- Part of a small group of cyclists to win the Tour de France and the Giro D'Italia, two of cycling's biggest races, in the same year (1998).
- Turned pro in 1992.
- Known as one of the greatest climbers in the history of cycling.
- Doctor who carried out the autopsy reached the conclusion that Pantani died after an acute intoxication of cocaine which caused an edema in the brain and lungs. [March 2004]
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