Rapparee87
Retro Guru
'Gem' has passed away, at the grand age of 99. A legend of the sport. Friend and confidante of Fausto Coppi, directeur sportif of Jacques Anquetil amongst others. The best rider never to win the Tour de France it has been said (open to debate)
What cannot be argued against however is his place as an innovator in professional cycling in the mid 20th century, being the first to bring outside team sponsorship (companies not connected to cycling before this) to the Tour de France one of his achievements.
He accompanied Coppi on a hunting trip in Africa, they both caught malaria, and fell seriously ill. Geminiani was close to death but recovered, Coppi had no such luck.
At times a hugely controversial figure, not least due to his views on doping. He was a much loved figure in France by all accounts.
He was ds of the La Redoute team during Stephen Roche's time there, and a huge influence on Roche's career and success while there, despite being 'mad as a hatter' according to Roche. Drank like a fish, smoked like a chimney and drove the team car with pop music turned up to the max, that was Gem.
Others here will be better able to give a more fulsome appreciation, however as we say in Ireland 'we'll not seen his likes again'
Rest in peace.
What cannot be argued against however is his place as an innovator in professional cycling in the mid 20th century, being the first to bring outside team sponsorship (companies not connected to cycling before this) to the Tour de France one of his achievements.
He accompanied Coppi on a hunting trip in Africa, they both caught malaria, and fell seriously ill. Geminiani was close to death but recovered, Coppi had no such luck.
At times a hugely controversial figure, not least due to his views on doping. He was a much loved figure in France by all accounts.
He was ds of the La Redoute team during Stephen Roche's time there, and a huge influence on Roche's career and success while there, despite being 'mad as a hatter' according to Roche. Drank like a fish, smoked like a chimney and drove the team car with pop music turned up to the max, that was Gem.
Others here will be better able to give a more fulsome appreciation, however as we say in Ireland 'we'll not seen his likes again'
Rest in peace.
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