Introduction
When you talk about cycling, one name is unavoidable: Fausto Coppi. The "Campionissimo" – Champion of Champions – was much more than just a successful racer. He was the man who shaped modern road cycling, redefined technique and tactics, and remains a style icon to this day. His legacy lives on not only through his victories but also through the bicycles on which he made history – and those that later bore his name.
The Rise of a Legend
Born in 1919 in Castellania, Piedmont, Fausto Coppi discovered his passion for cycling early. With an extraordinary combination of climbing prowess, tactical intelligence, and technical finesse, he quickly rose to become the wonderboy of Italian cycling.
His breakthrough came in 1940, when at just 20 years old, he won the Giro d’Italia – the youngest winner in the race’s history. This marked the start of an era that propelled him to the top of the world’s biggest races.
Triumphs and Teams
During his career, Coppi wore the jerseys of legendary teams:
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Legnano (1940–1942)
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Bianchi (1945–1956)
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Tricofilina Coppi (1956–1957)
His greatest achievements speak for themselves:
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5× Giro d’Italia (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953)
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2× Tour de France (1949, 1952)
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World Road Champion (1953)
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World Hour Record (45.798 km, 1942)
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Paris–Roubaix, Milan–Sanremo, Giro di Lombardia – multiple wins
Especially legendary: his double victory in the Giro and Tour in the same year (1949, 1952) – a feat that remains rare even today.
Coppi and the Machines of His Success
Fausto Coppi was not only an exceptional rider but also a perfectionist when it came to equipment.
The Legnano Years
In the early part of his career, Coppi rode Legnano bikes, recognizable by their olive-green paintwork. These robust, elegant bicycles were typical of Italian craftsmanship at the time.
The Bianchi Era
His move to Bianchi marked the golden phase of his career. Riding the sky-blue Bianchi Specialissima models, Coppi made history. These bikes, equipped with Campagnolo drivetrains and the finest Columbus steel, combined aesthetics with innovation.
Whether at the Tour de France or the Giro – Coppi always trusted perfectly tuned Bianchi race machines. These bicycles remain highly sought-after collector's items to this day.
The Coppi Brand – Bicycles for Eternity
After retiring from professional racing, Coppi founded his own bicycle brand together with his brother Serse Coppi. The aim was to carry the spirit of his racing victories into high-quality road bikes for ambitious riders. These bikes were produced in collaboration with the renowned Italian company Fiorelli from Novi Ligure, which is why many frames bear both the Coppi and Fiorelli names.
Famous models from the Coppi workshop:
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Coppi Campionissimo
A classic racing bicycle named after Coppi’s legendary nickname. Built from high-quality Columbus SL tubing, it features precisely brazed lugs and delicate dropouts. Signature details include chromed chainstays and fork ends, along with elegant paint finishes in classic colors like Pearl White or Celeste. This model was primarily designed for long-distance racing and impressed with comfort and stability. -
Coppi San Remo
Named after the race Coppi won five times, this model stood out with a sportier, race-oriented geometry. It typically used Columbus SL or Columbus Cromor steel. Characteristic features included slender seat stays, chromed rear triangles, and refined decals. Ideal for riders seeking an agile, lightweight vintage road bike. -
Coppi Professional
A high-end model aimed at ambitious competitors. It featured Columbus SLX tubing with internal rifling for increased stiffness. Distinctive elements included chromed lugs, a reinforced bottom bracket area, and top-tier Campagnolo components. Built especially during the 1980s, this model targeted racers who wanted the most advanced technology in a classic steel frame. -
Fiorelli Coppi
Under the Fiorelli-Coppi brand, numerous models were released that echoed the Coppi aesthetic but were produced in greater numbers. These bikes were popular from the 1960s to the 1980s and combined high-quality Italian craftsmanship with more accessible components. Typical features included frames made from Columbus Aelle or Cromor tubing, elegant chrome details, and the distinctive Coppi-Fiorelli logo on the head tube.
These bicycles combine Italian craftsmanship with timeless design and today rank among the most coveted vintage road bikes – not just for Eroica events.
Coppi’s Legacy – More Than Just Victories
Fausto Coppi was a pioneer. He was one of the first professionals to focus systematically on training, specialized nutrition, and aerodynamics. His rivalry with Gino Bartali divided an entire nation – north versus south, modernity versus tradition.
Coppi died tragically young in 1960 from malaria, but his significance is everlasting. In Italy, he enjoys near-mythical status. His bikes, his victories, and his elegance continue to shape the world of vintage road cycling today.
Why a Coppi Bike Still Fascinates Today
Anyone who owns an original Coppi or Bianchi from Coppi’s era holds more than just a bicycle in their hands. It is a piece of Italian racing history, crafted with passion and meticulous attention to detail.
For collectors, Eroica riders, and lovers of classic steel frames, Coppi bicycles are true jewels – whether restored or in original condition.
Conclusion
Fausto Coppi remains unparalleled – as an athlete, innovator, and aesthete. His successes on Europe’s roads and the bicycles bearing his name tell stories of passion, style, and Italian engineering artistry. When you ride a Coppi bike, you don’t just ride – you celebrate history.