Luciano Borgognoni

Luciano Borgognoni started out as a track rider, winning the team pursuit gold medal at the 1971 World Championships and competing in the 1972 Olympics in both individual and team pursuit. He later placed fifth and fourth in the individual pursuit at the 1976 and 1980 Professional World Championships. After the 1972 Olympics Borgognoni turned professional and raced in the pro peleton through 1982.

In 1974 he won a stage in the Giro del Sardinia, and won the Giro del Friuli. He rode the Giro d’Italia nine times between 1973-82, with a best finish of 23rd in 1975, winning two stages in 1977. Borgognoni also raced the 1976 Tour de France but did not finish. His best finish in a classic was ninth at the 1979 Milano-San Remo. In honor of his sporting achievements, Borgognoni was awarded a Gold Medal by the Italian Olympic Committee.