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October 14, 2001 is one of the saddest and most embarrassing days in the history of Italian cycling. That day, the Road World Championships were held. The Italian national team, packed with champions, was among the favorites. Gilberto Simoni attacked on the final climb and seemed to be on his way to the world championship, but at a certain point, the bad thing happens. Paolo Lanfranchi goes to the head of the group and starts to pull. The situation is absurd, there is an Italian in the lead of the race and another Italian chasing behind. Behind this bizarre situation, many see a conspiracy, an interference by Mapei within the national team. The only certain thing is that Italy will be fooled, Simoni will be caught by the group and the sprint will be won by the Spaniard Freire ahead of Paolo Bettini. SOURCES: https://www.ciclonews.biz/tradimento-... https://www.vita-sportiva.it/lisbona-... #ciclismo #cycling #sport