Gilberto Simoni

Gilberto Simoni (born August 25, 1971) is an Italian professional road bicycle racer for UCI Professional Continental cycling team Diquigiovanni-Androni. He is a two-time winner of the Giro d'Italia cycling race (2001 and 2003 editions). In 2002 he tested positive for cocaine and was withdrawn from the Giro d'Italia, but was later cleared by the Italian Cycling Federation.Simoni is a native of Palu di Giovo, and is a climbing specialist. Simoni w... more

Gilberto Simoni (born August 25, 1971) is an Italian professional road bicycle racer for UCI Professional Continental cycling team Diquigiovanni-Androni. He is a two-time winner of the Giro d'Italia cycling race (2001 and 2003 editions). In 2002 he tested positive for cocaine and was withdrawn from the Giro d'Italia, but was later cleared by the Italian Cycling Federation.Simoni is a native of Palu di Giovo, and is a climbing specialist. Simoni was born at Palù di Giovo, in the province of Trento. He started cycling in the amateur ranks having set his sights on someday winning the Giro d'Italia. In 1993 he won the Baby Giro d'Italia (Giro d'Italia for amateurs) and the amateur Italian Road Cycling Championship. He turned professional in 1994 with the Jolly Componibili team. He had a difficult first year during which his father and then his brother died. It was only three years later that he won his first professional race, a stage of the Giro del Trentino, while riding for the M&G;... less