The Giro of Italia stands as one of cycling’s most gruelling and prestigious races, a true test of endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower. Since its inception in 1909, the Giro has captivated fans with its breathtaking mountain stages, dramatic sprint finishes, and unpredictable weather. But among the many champions who have conquered this Italian Grand Tour, who holds the record for the most victories? Let’s take a deep dive into the history of the Giro of Italia and celebrate the legends who have left an indelible mark on the race.
The Kings of the Giro: Three Riders with Five Wins
Only three cyclists in history have managed to win the Giro of Italia five times—a testament to their dominance in an era when racing was even more brutal than it is today.
Alfredo Binda (Italy) – The First Dominator
Alfredo Binda was the first true superstar of the Giro of Italia, winning his five titles in 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1933. His reign was so absolute that race organisers once paid him not to compete in 1930 because his victories were making the race predictable! Binda was a complete rider—excellent in the mountains, strong in time trials, and a fierce competitor. His record of 41 stage wins stood for decades, underscoring his all-round brilliance.
Fausto Coppi (Italy) – Il Campionissimo
Fausto Coppi, known as Il Campionissimo (“The Champion of Champions”), is one of cycling’s most iconic figures. His five Giro victories came in 1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953. Coppi’s career was defined by his legendary rivalry with Gino Bartali, which divided Italy and created some of the most dramatic moments in cycling history. Coppi was a master of the mountains and a pioneer of modern training methods, setting records that stood for generations.
Eddy Merckx (Belgium) – The Cannibal
Eddy Merckx, nicknamed The Cannibal for his insatiable appetite for victory, is widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time. He matched Binda and Coppi’s record with five Giro wins in 1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, and 1974. Merckx didn’t just win—he dominated, holding the record for most stage wins (64) and often crushing his rivals with long-range attacks. His 1973 victory, where he won six stages and the overall classification by nearly seven minutes, remains one of the most commanding performances in Giro history.
The Three-Time Winners: Legends Who Came Close
While five wins remains the ultimate benchmark, several riders have come agonisingly close with three victories:
Gino Bartali (Italy) – 1936, 1937, 1946
Coppi’s great rival, Bartali’s career was interrupted by World War II, possibly robbing him of more wins.
Fiorenzo Magni (Italy) – 1948, 1951, 1955
Known for his toughness, Magni once finished a stage with a broken collarbone by gripping a makeshift handlebar strap in his teeth.
Bernard Hinault (France) – 1980, 1982, 1985
The last non-Italian to win multiple Giro titles, Hinault was a fierce competitor who also won the Tour de France five times.
Modern Contenders: Who Could Challenge the Record?
In recent years, no rider has come close to five Giro wins, but a few have made their mark:
Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) – 2013, 2016
The Shark of Messina is one of only seven riders to win all three Grand Tours. His attacking style and tactical brilliance made him a fan favourite.
Chris Froome (UK) – 2018
His incredible comeback on Stage 19, attacking on the Colle delle Finestre with 80 km to go, is one of the most spectacular moments in modern Giro history.
Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) – 2024
The young superstar’s dominant 2024 victory suggests he could one day challenge the record if he chooses to focus on the Giro.
Why Is the Five-Win Record So Hard to Beat?
Winning the Giro of Italia once is a monumental achievement—doing it five times requires near-superhuman consistency. The race’s brutal mountain stages, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition make repeat victories incredibly difficult. Additionally, many modern riders prioritise the Tour de France, limiting their Giro appearances.
Conclusion: Will Anyone Ever Win Six?
The Giro of Italia has seen many champions, but Binda, Coppi, and Merckx remain in a league of their own with five victories each. With today’s peloton more competitive than ever, their record may stand for decades to come. For cycling fans, these legends represent the pinnacle of endurance, skill, and determination—true icons of the sport.
As the Giro continues to evolve, one question remains: will we ever see a rider surpass five wins? Only time will tell, but for now, the legacy of Binda, Coppi, and Merckx remains untouchable.
