Giovanni “Nani” Pinarello, the founder of the bike brand that has become synonymous with Italian road cycling, has died.
Pinarello rode as a professional from 1946 to 1953, taking wins in the Giro delle Dolomiti and Rome-Naples-Rome. His is better known for his time at the back of the race, winning the maglia nera, or black jersey, which is awarded to the final finisher of the Giro d’Italia.
Pinarello, the eighth of 12 brothers, was born in Catena di Villorba in northern Italy. as the eighth of 12 brothers,
He won the maglia nera in 1951, when such an award was accompanied by some prestige. He was removed from the Giro roster the following year at the last minute and was given 100,000 lire as a consolation (around £90). He used the money to set up his Pinarello brand, opening his shop in Treviso in 1953.
His success at bicycle making dwarfed that of racing. Pinarello won its first Giro d’Italia in 1975, the brand’s reputation was secured and it grew to be one of the highest regarded names in cycle frame building.
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Giovanni Pinarello was succeeded at Pinarello by his son Fausto, who still manages the brand.