Luigi Ganna (1 December 1883 – 2 October 1957) was an Italian professionalroad racing cyclist. He was the overall winner of the firstGiro d'Italia, held in1909, as well as the first Italian winner of the classicMilan–San Remo earlier that year. Further highlights in his career were his fifth place in the1908 Tour de France and several podium places in Italianclassic races.[1] In 1908, he set a newItalian hour record, which he held for six years.
He was born inInduno Olona, nearVarese, inLombardy. Before becoming a professional cyclist, he worked as a bricklayer, commuting up to 100 km to work by bike.[1]
In 1912, he started a bike brand named Ganna which was still around in 2012.[2][3] In 1913, he started theGanna Cycling team where he rode for the final three years of his career.[4] His company sponsored the team until 1953 when they could no longer meet obligations andNivea–Fuchs took over.[5]
Gregori, Claudio (2009).Luigi Ganna – Il romanzo del vincitore del primo Giro d'Italia del 1909 [Luigi Ganna – The romance of the winner of the first Giro d'Italia in 1909] (in Italian). Cassina de' Pecchi (Milan), Italy: Edizioni Roberto Vallardi.ISBN978-88-95684-23-9.
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