Pierfranco Vianelli, 1968 Olympic cycling champion, dies at 79

Italian cycling legend Pierfranco Vianelli has died at the age of 79 in Provaglio d’Iseo. He is best remembered for his historic performance at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he secured two medals.

Vianelli won the gold medal in the individual road race after a decisive solo attack approximately 15 kilometers from the finish. He also earned a bronze medal in the 100-kilometer team time trial alongside teammates Giovanni Bramucci, Vittorio Marcelli, and Mauro Simonetti. He remains the only cyclist from the Brescia region to have won an Olympic medal.

As a professional, Vianelli rode for the Molteni team. His notable achievements include a seventh-place finish in the 1969 Tour de France, a fifth-place finish in the 1971 Giro d'Italia, and a stage victory at the Grossglockner during the 1971 Giro.