With five world titles in the individual pursuit, Guido Messina won more titles than his famed compatriot Leandro Faggin, although the latter won a total of 12 medals at the worlds, four more than Messina. He won his first two titles as an amateur (1948, 1953), before turning professional and winning three consecutive World Championships (1954-56). Earlier, Messina had also earned an Olympic gold medal in the 1952 team pursuit – the individual event was not on the program until 1964. Messina was also active on the road, his major success coming in the first stage of the 1955 Giro d’Italia, which he won, earning him a day in the pink jersey.
Italy