The Mortirolo: The Mountain That Made Pantani

A tragic hero, Marco Pantani is still loved in Italy. His blistering attacks in the high mountains inspired thousands to follow the sport, and his faults as a human drew sympathy from Italy's passionate fans.

The career of Pantani was born on the incredibly steep slopes of the Mortirolo, and the mountain remains forever linked with the troubled career of "Il Pirata."

We rode the Mortirolo to experience the agony of the gradient for ourselves, and to learn more about one of Italy's most iconic champions.