Francesco Casagrande

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Francesco Casagrande (born 14 September 1970) is a former professional road racing cyclist from Italy. Casagrande's career spanned from 1992 to 2005, during which he was known for his climbing ability and for being one of the top competitors in Grand Tours and one-day Classics.

Career

Francesco Casagrande began his professional career in 1992 with the Mercatone Uno team. He quickly established himself as a talented climber and stage racer. Over his career, Casagrande achieved notable successes, including winning the Giro di Lombardia in 1998, a prestigious one-day race that is part of the Monuments of cycling. He also secured the overall victory at the Tour de Suisse in 1999 and the Volta a Catalunya in 1997 and 2000.

Casagrande's performances in the Grand Tours were marked by strong showings in the Giro d'Italia, where he finished on the podium in 2000, securing third place. Despite being one of the pre-race favorites in several editions of the Giro and the Tour de France, a combination of bad luck, tactical errors, and fierce competition often prevented him from achieving a top position in the overall classification.

Throughout his career, Casagrande was also known for his aggressive racing style, often attacking in the mountains to gain time on his rivals. However, his career was not without controversy. In 2002, he was expelled from the Giro d'Italia for dangerous riding, and he faced suspension for doping violations.

Post-Racing Career

After retiring from professional cycling in 2005, Francesco Casagrande remained involved in the sport, taking on roles such as team management and participating in cycling events for charity.

Legacy

Francesco Casagrande is remembered as one of the most talented Italian cyclists of his generation, with a career that, despite its controversies, showcased his determination and skill as a climber and stage racer. His victories and podium finishes in some of the sport's most challenging races have secured his place in the history of cycling.