Learco Guerra

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Learco Guerra.

Learco Guerra (October 14, 1902 - February 7, 1963) was an Italian professional road racing cyclist. The highlight of his career was his overall win in the 1934 Giro d'Italia.

[edit] Career

Born in a frazione of Bagnolo San Vito in Lombardy, Guerra gained the nickname of "Human Locomotive" for his enduring quality in plain stages. After some mediocre young attempts as football player, Guerra became a professional cyclist in 1928, at the age of 26. The following year he became Italian Champion, racing as an independent: he confirmed the title for the following four years.

In 1930 he was one of the protagonist of the Tour de France, where he became the mainstay of the Italian team after the leader, Alfredo Binda, proved to be in poor form. Guerra finished second overall in the General Classification, behind Frenchman André Leducq. In 1931 he won four stages at the Giro d'Italia, but was not able to obtain the final victory. The same year he won the World Cycling Championship.

In 1933 Guerra was again second at the Tour de France, and won the Milan-Sanremo. In 1934 he obtained his greatest success, winning ten stages at the Giro d'Italian and the General Classification. He was also second in the World Championship.

Guerra set a record of victories in a single year that was beaten only in the 1970s. His fame as a cyclist was exploited by the Fascist government, who made him a popular superhero of the time. After his retirement, he worked as team mangaer, directing cyclists such as Hugo Koblet and Charly Gaul.

Affected by Parkinson's disease, he died prematurely in Milan in 1963.

Preceded by Alfredo Binda	World Road Racing Champion 1931	Succeeded by Alfredo Binda
Preceded by Alfredo Binda	Winner of the Giro d'Italia 1934	Succeeded by Vasco Bergamaschi