This week on Sunday Stamps, with the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics approaching, we set our sights on the Northern Hemisphere countries that are participating.
For my entry, here is one iconic stamp from Italy that celebrates athletic prowess and the thrill of competition. It came in a maxicard sent in 2009 by two Italian sisters via Postcrossing, showcasing a summer Olympic sport: cycling!
Cycling holds a special place in Italian sporting history. From the legendary Fausto Coppi to the modern-day heroes of the Giro d’Italia, Italy has consistently produced champions on two wheels.
This maxicard and matching stamp honour the most successful and popular cyclist of all time, the Italian Fausto Coppi, on his birthday. Both feature a dynamic image of Coppi out-of-the-saddle, powering his bicycle forward with a car following him closely. A majestic mountain range fills the background. This set beautifully captures the exhilaration and competitive spirit of this sport.
Coppi won his first Giro d’Italia in 1940 at age 20 – to this day the youngest ever to do so. He went on to win Giro d’Italia four more times, in 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953. He also won Tour de France two times (1949 and 1952) as well as the World Championship in 1953. Professional cycling races like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France were the pinnacle events for cyclists during Coppi’s era. The Olympics didn’t feature professional cycling competitions until 1968, well after Coppi’s retirement.
The stamp, issued before 2024 Paris Olympics, serve as a reminder of Italy’s longstanding tradition of participating and excelling in international sporting events. This year, Italian athletes across various disciplines will undoubtedly be vying for glory in Paris.
I would always associate cycling with Italy and France. Although it is a very popular sport in Spain as well.
You’re absolutely right! Italy and France are definitely cycling powerhouses, with so much history in the sport. It’s great that you mention Spain too – they’ve produced some incredible cyclists as well, like Alberto Contador and Miguel Indurain!
Lucky you – a matching card, stamp, and postmark! Love the clunky looking car following! It is always hit and miss where I live as to whether we get coverage of these races, but yesterday, for some reason we were blessed with the Tour de France for the 8th stage (no mountains)
Right?!? Receiving a matching maxicard, stamp, and postmark is always a special treat. I love the car too – it’s a fun detail, but let’s be honest, there’s no way that clunky car is actually keeping up with Fausto Coppi! hahaha.That’s a bummer about coverage where you live – hopefully, they’ll show more exciting stages soon! Over here, I turn to online streams when coverage for my favourite sports is fickle.
How great to have a maxi card! And the postmark too.
Maxicards are special! This is the first time I’ve received a maxicard with identical stamp and postmark.
That’s a nice one. I’ll bet that bicycle can out pace that old car, even up hills.
Lisa, you might be right! Those Italian cyclists are known for their cycling prowess. Seeing the car is a vintage model, maybe it wouldn’t be too much of a challenge. Thanks for stopping by!
That is a beautiful design. We were treated to a little segment on Coppi as part of the coverage of this year’s Tour
You’re right, Joy! The design is beautiful. Coppi’s story is truly inspiring, and that little segment during the Tour must have been fantastic. In the Philippines, I grew up with older cousins who were cheering for Alberto Contador and Miguel Indurain. I remember it clearly as we, younger kids could not access the only TV set in the house because they’re watching Tour de France. Here in Cambodia, cycling isn’t quite as popular as football, but this stamp definitely makes me appreciate the sport’s history and legends like Coppi.
I remember hearing his name a lot when I was little… Great stamp!