Davide Rebellin

ITA19710809 REBELLIN Davide GST Deutschlandtour 2005

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Gold medal uci

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Jersey yellow

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Jersey gold

Jersey pink

Davide Rebellin (born 9 August 1971) is an Italian former professional road bicycle racer, known for his longevity in the sport and his consistency in one-day races. Rebellin's career spanned over two decades, during which he achieved notable success in Classics and stage races.

Early Life and Career

Born in San Bonifacio, Veneto, Italy, Rebellin began his professional cycling career in 1992. He quickly made a name for himself as a strong climber and a formidable competitor in single-day races.

Professional Career

Throughout his career, Rebellin excelled in the UCI ProTour and UCI WorldTour events, showcasing his skills in both the hilly classics and shorter stage races. He is best known for his remarkable 2004 season, where he achieved the rare feat of winning three major spring classics in a single year: the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. This achievement earned him the nickname "Mr. Spring" among fans and commentators.

Rebellin was also successful in stage races, with multiple overall victories in smaller tours and numerous stage wins. His ability to perform consistently over different terrains made him a versatile rider.

Controversy

Rebellin's career was not without controversy. In 2008, he tested positive for CERA, a third-generation EPO, at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he initially finished second in the road race. As a result, he was stripped of his silver medal and faced a suspension from professional cycling.

Comeback and Later Career

After serving his suspension, Rebellin returned to professional cycling. Despite his age, he continued to compete at a high level, participating in various international races and securing several podium finishes. His dedication and passion for the sport were evident in his refusal to retire early, making him one of the oldest active professional cyclists.

Retirement

Davide Rebellin announced his retirement from professional cycling in 2021, ending a career that spanned nearly three decades. His legacy in the sport is marked by his impressive victories, resilience, and the controversy that shadowed part of his career.

Legacy

Rebellin is remembered as one of the most consistent and successful Italian cyclists of his generation. His achievements in the spring classics and his ability to compete at the highest level for so many years have earned him a place among the sport's greats. Despite the setbacks he faced, his comeback and longevity in the sport have been inspirational to many.