Cyclist Marco Pantani's funeral draws thousands of mourners in Italy - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

02-18-2004, 03:10 PM

Cyclist Marco Pantani's funeral draws thousands of mourners in Italy

Canadian Press

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

CESENATICO, Italy (AP) - Thousands of mourners, ranging from sports stars to
simple neighbours, bid a final farewell to Marco Pantani on Wednesday at the
funeral for the hugely popular Italian cyclist who was tormented by doping
allegations in the last few years.

Haunting notes that Pantani wrote in his passport were read aloud during the
funeral service by his friend and manager Manuela Ronchi. "For four years I've
been in every court, I just lost my desire to be like all the other sportsmen,"
the note said. "But cycling has paid and many youngsters have lost their faith
in justice."

Another section read: "All my colleagues have been humiliated, with TV cameras
hidden in their hotel rooms to try and ruin families. How could you not hurt
yourself after that?"

Pantani's entire Mercatone Uno team, national cycling coach Franco Ballerini,
retired skier Alberto Tomba, former national soccer coach Azeglio Vicini and a
host of cyclists were among the mourners.

About 20,000 people gathered inside and, mostly, outside the small church in
this Adriatic town for the service.

Former world champion Mario Cipollini, current world champion Igor Astarloa and
soccer great Diego Armando Maradona streamed past Pantani's casket before the
funeral.

Pantani, 34, was found dead on the floor of his room at an apartment-hotel in
the Adriatic resort city of Rimini late Saturday. An autopsy showed he had died
from severe swelling from buildup of fluid in his brain and lungs, although the
cause is still unclear.

About 10 bottles of tranquilizers of four different brands were found in the
room.

Pantani's sudden death shocked Italy, prompting an outpouring of grief for one
of Italy's most beloved and troubled sports stars.

Since his death, a fierce debate has been waged in Italian media regarding the
pressures that Pantani faced from the press and the doping accusations he faced.

Cesenatico was draped with dozens of banners paying tribute to the 1998 Tour de
France and Giro d'Italia winner. Many mourners wore a bandanna around their arms
in memory of the one Pantani wore on his bald head - a fashion statement which,
along with his earring, earned him the nickname of "il pirata," "the pirate."

Town official Michele Fiumi estimated that about 3,000 people had gone by
Pantani's casket, leaving flowers and notes or silently praying. The flow of
people, which started when the casket was put on display in the San Giacomo
Apostolo church Tuesday afternoon, continued relentlessly through the night, he
said.

The funeral was held in the same church, which holds about 300 people. Town
officials set up speakers outside the church for mourners who couldn't fit
inside.

Pantani had suffered from depression in the past, but prosecutors have played
down the possibility of suicide - a widespread speculation in the Italian media.
Authorities said they will not be drawn out on the cause until the investigation
is completed.

Further tests to determine the cause of the fluid accumulation are expected to
take about two weeks.

Tormented by doping accusations in recent seasons, Pantani spent several weeks
in a clinic specializing in treatment for depression and drug addiction last
summer.

© Copyright 2004 The Canadian Press