Guido Bontempi

Guido Bontempi competed at the 1980 Moskva Olympics, placing fourth on the track in both the kilo time trial and the team pursuit. He turned professional in 1981 and immediately began to assert himself in the group sprints by winning two stages at the Vuelta (in Aviles and Salamanca) and one at the Giro d’Italia. He also won the Italian Championship in the keirin and was second that year at the World Championships in that event.

In 1983 Bontempi won the Italian Championship in the points race, placing second that year at the World Championships. His greatest year on the roads was 1986, when he won the points classification at the Giro, winning five stages, also winning Paris-Bruxelles, Gent-Wevelgem, and three stages at the Tour de France. During his career, Bontempi won 16 stages at the Giro, 6 at the Tour de France, and 2 at the Vuelta.

Near the end of his time in the peloton, Bontempi finished all three grand tours in 1992. He closed his long professional career in 1995 with 80 road victories. He later became director sportif to many teams such as Gewiss, Saeco, Lampre, Amica Chips, and Astana. In honor of his sporting achievements, Bontempi was awarded a Gold Medal by the Italian Olympic Committee.