The 1959 Giro d'Italia was the 42nd running of the Giro d'Italia, one of cycling's Grand Tour races. The Giro started in Milan, on 16 May, with a 135 km (83.9 mi) stage and concluded back in Milan, on 7 June, with a 220 km (136.7 mi) leg. A total of 120 riders from 15 teams entered the 20-stage race, which was won by Luxembourgian Charly Gaul of the EMI team. The second and third places were taken by Frenchman Jacques Anquetil and Italian Diego Ronchini, respectively.
Jacques Anquetil (left) and Charly Gaul (right) riding together during the fourth stage of the race.
Gino Bartali next to Rik Van Looy, stage winner and first pink jersey of the 42nd Giro
Charly Gaul was a Luxembourgish professional cyclist. He was a national cyclo-cross champion, an accomplished time triallist and superb climber. His ability earned him the nickname of Angel of the Mountains in the 1958 Tour de France, which he won with four stage victories. He also won the Giro d'Italia in 1956 and 1959. Gaul rode best in cold, wet weather. In later life, he became a recluse and lost much of his memory.
Gaul in 1959
Gaul (left) wearing the race leader's yellow jersey at the 1958 Tour de France, leading the combined Netherlands and Luxembourg team
Gaul at the 1959 Giro d'Italia
Jacques Anquetil and Gaul at the 1959 Giro d'Italia
