"On St. Valentine's Day 2004, former Tour de France winner Marco Pantani was found dead in a cheap Rimini hotel. It defied belief: Pantani was a celebrity millionaire, recognised around the world, and widely regarded, even at the time of his death, as the only cyclist capable of challenging Lance Armstrong's dominance in the Tour de France. Only later did it emerge that Pantani had been addicted to cocaine since Autumn 1999, weeks after being expelled from the three-week Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy) for blood doping - when he already had the race won." "Pantani specialised in two of cycling's showpieces: the Giro d'Italia, held in May, and July's Tour de France. In 1994, in his first Giro, Pantani won two mountain stages and finished second overall. A month later, he finished third in his first Tour. In 1998 he pulled off the spectacular achievement of winning both, something few cyclists even attempt.

But it wasn't just his results that attracted attention. He was articulate and charismatic, to the extent that Lance Armstrong saw in him 'more an artist than an athlete - an extravagant figure, a Salvador Dali. That's why people were so fond of him.'" "Matt Rendell knew Pantani and has remained in contact with his family and friends and has also had access to court transcriptions from the many cases against him. This fascinating biography is not only the first in-depth investigation into the facts behind the iconic figure; it is also an affectionate portrait and a hugely exciting insight into a roller-coaster of a career."--BOOK JACKET.