Fausto Coppi’s blind massaggiatore (physio) Biagio Cavanna

Many people know Fausto Coppi story, the greatest Italian champion in many people point of view the greatest ever together with Merckx and Armstrong.

But not many people knows that is blind physio was probably also one of the greatest in his field.

cavanna massaggiatore di coppi

Not a great rider himself during the period of Girardengo, he then develop his massage skills techniques and become a great masseur, but he become blind at 40. He never gave up and he actually started a cycling school were young rider would live with him and with his very hard trainings, diets and massages develop and giving a chance at young riders to turn pro and start a cycling carrier.

Story of old pro are saying that he could with the feel of his hands and by listening to the noise of their heart whether they could become great rider or not.

coppi e cavanna

Once become Fausto’s massaggiatore the two were inseparable and Biagio would follow the “Airone” (heron) every were in the world give him also advice on trainings and race tactics, to then develop Fausto even further in his carrier.

coppi l'airone

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May 30, 2009 - Posted by flaviozappi | Do you know?

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About

penso

Hi!

My name is Flavio Zappi, an ex-professional cyclist from Italy, currently living and racing in the U.K with the Zappi’s Cycling club.
Why this blog? Well, different reasons..
I suppose the main purpose is to share with other sports lovers such as myself, my experiences (both past and present), my attempts at improving training approaches, and valuable conversations with professionals or just cycling lovers from the cycling world.

I hope you can find something of value in my blog, and any feedback will be really appreciated!

Thanks!