PANTANI: THE ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF A CYCLIST

In 1998 Marco Pantani, the most flamboyant and popular cyclist of his era, won both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. This titanic feat of physical and mental endurance has never since been matched. Pantani was a hero to millions and was seen as the saviour of cycling during a time when doping scandals threatened to destroy the sport. But six years after this extraordinary feat and aged only 34, tragically, Pantani was dead. Discovered in a cheap Italian hotel, he died alone apparently from acute cocaine poisoning.