Rujano was recruited at the same time as the Italian climber Emanuele Sella, Savio referring to giving these two riders a "last chance".

This intrepid Italian climber is thought by many to have been the greatest mountaineering photographer of all time.

Despite their gaunt appearance, blistered lips, drawn cheeks and relaxed approach to bodily hygiene, the climbers, both Italian, were only too happy to stop for a chat.

In less than two years since he started climbing, Bonatti had already joined the restricted circle of the best Italian climbers.

Among those not at the start was Marco Pantani, a fine Italian climber whose team was not invited.

Took part in rescue of the Italian climber (Marco Epis) from altitude 8300 meters.

Camusso was born in Cumiana, Piedmont, and is ranked among the best Italian climbers ever.

One reason why Reinhold Messner, the Italian climber, is so exceptional is that he doesn't suffer as much as others in the rarefied air.

He has been described as "the first great Italian climber in the Dolomites".

Claudio Chiappucci, the fine Italian climber, has been campaigning for an uphill time trial since that traditional stage was dropped a few years ago.