Belloni's Long Solo Victory
The 1916 edition of Milan-San Remo did not take place due to WW1 fighting on Italy’s northern border. Racing returned to Milan in 1917 despite the conflicts further north in Europe.
The starter list included forty-eight riders with only fifteen professionals. The Italian hopes came from a young and talented Gaetano "Tano" Belloni (Bianchi), who made his professional debut at Milan.
SPECIAL NOTE: Belloni avoided the call to Italy’s military service because he lacked a phalanx bone in his right thumb (from an accident on the lathe).
Another favorite at the start was Swiss rider Oscar Egg (Isolati), who avoided the war by taking advantage of his country's political neutrality.
The race rolled out of Milan at 6:19 am.
Race status:
In Ovada (113 km into the race / 287 km), a group of eleven formed, which included Belloni, Constante Girardengo (Bianchi), Egg and winner of the 1915 M-SR Ezio Corlaita (Isolati).
On the climb of the Passo Turchino (131 km / 287), Belloni started attacking and gained an advantage of 4'03" on Egg, and 6'27" on Girardengo. “Tano” rode over the summit first and won the Mountain preme (cash prize).
At the Voltri check point (160 km / 287 km), Belloni held 5’00” the lead on Egg and Girardengo. The two chasers passed through the check point together.
In Savona (175 km / 287 km), the gap remained unchanged, but Girardengo on the climb Piani d'Invrea attacked and dropped a tiring Egg, who later abandoned the race due to fatigue. ‘Gira’ was left alone to chase at 5’00” behind the leader.
In Albenga (50 km to the finish), the wind shifted into a headwind, and the gap went out to 15’00”.
Belloni experienced several punctures in the closing kilometers, but the mishaps did not prevent him from crossing the finish line first. Gaetano Belloni (Ita) gained the 1917 Milan-San Remo victory.
Girardengo crossed the finish second 11’48” behind Belloni.
Angelo Gremo (Bianchi) finished third but was disqualified for numerous rules infractions during the race.
M-SR April 15, 1917 / 287 Km |
1.
Gaetano BELLONI (Ita) 12h44'09" |
2.
Costante Girardengo (Ita) +11'48" |
x3. DQ’d Angelo Gremo (Ita) +42'21" |
3.
Camillo Bertarelli (Ita) +42’21” |
Starters: 48 / Finishers: 14  Average Speed: 26.460 km/h |
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M-SR 1915
M-SR 1918
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