Fausto Coppi - Il Campionissimo - champion of style and cycling

There are some men who have a natural gift for looking stylish, whether they're involved in sweaty sport or wearing a suit and tie. One such was Fausto Coppi, the Italian (naturally) cycling campionissimo. World champion, winner of the Giro d'Italia five times and Tour de France twice, he reigned from the forties to fifties, until his untimely and sad death from malaria in 1960 as he tried to extend his ailing career by racing in Burkina Faso.

On or off his bike he looked cool and stylish,a s these photos show. I suppose it's that natural self-confidence linked to the grace of a natural athlete that gave him an edge here - no doubt being Italian helped as well!

And here with his brother, Serse, who sadly died in a cycling accident.