By Mike Barry Sr.
Photography by Walter Lai
At the London bike show in 1952, the Dunlop Company showed a movie that features all the highlights of the 1952 cycling season. I thought that it was the most wonderful movie I had ever seen. My hero, the track sprinter Reg Harris was featured but I was completely captivated by the shots of the Tour de France winner, Fausto Coppi climbing the Alps and Pyrenees. I was immediately a devoted fan of Coppi and of his wonderful Bianchi bike.
This bike is very similar to the one used by Fausto Coppi to win the 1953 World Professional Road Race Championships in Lugano, Switzerland. Painted in the classic Bianchi ‘celeste’ colour, the bike was assembled from period correct parts in 2010.
This excerpt was taken from “A Life With Bicycles: A Collection From 1878-2003″ written by Mike Barry, Photography by Walter Lai. This book includes a selection of Mike Barry’s vintage bicycle collection as well as stories, technical and historical information about the bicycles. It will be available for sale later this year.
Magistroni crankset, Campagnolo Gran Sport Derailleur
Universal Brakes
Sheffield Pedals
Wonderful. Built in the same year that I was: 1953.
Great story,nice pix Michael! Thanks for sharing an Amazing story!
Thank you.