Pantani museum to be opened
2006-10-20 19:03
Rome - A museum dedicated to the late Marco Pantani, the former Italian cycling champion who died of a drug overdose two years ago, will be opened to the public at the end of this month.
The museum, which will be run by Pantani's cousin Thomas Casali, is situated next to the railway station in the late cyclist's home town of Cesenatico on the Adriatic coast.
It was constructed in May but will be officially open to the public on October 28.
Nicknamed 'The Pirate' for the earrings and colourful headbands he wore, Pantani was one of the best ever climbers in road cycling.
His finest year was 1998 when he won both the Tour de France and Tour of Italy.
Following a failed blood test at the 1999 Giro, Pantani's career was dogged by allegations of drug abuse.
He admitted himself into a clinic in 2003 after being diagnosed as clinically depressed.
Pantani was found dead in a hotel room in Rimini not far from his home town in February 2004.
A coroner's inquest revealed his death had been brought on by acute cocaine poisoning.