Luigi Malabrocca

Why did Luigi Malabrocca, a talented cyclist, intentionally strive to finish last? Here at his tomb, the story of the “maglia nera,” the black jersey of the last-place finisher in the Giro d’Italia, unfolds. Luigi Malabrocca, born in Tortona in 1920 and raised in Garlasco, wasn’t just a participant in the Giro d’Italia; he was a master strategist of last place. He wasn’t slow; he won 138 races, even holding the Italian cyclocross champion title twice. But Malabrocca saw an opportunity in the black jersey, a substantial cash prize and enduring fame. His strategy? Hiding, stopping at bars, even puncturing his own tires, all to lag behind. In 1946, he triumphantly finished last, four hours behind Gino Bartali. He repeated his “feat” in 1947, nearly six hours behind Fausto Coppi. His 1949 attempt backfired. He arrived so late at the final stage in Milan that the judges, fed up, had left. They assigned him the same time as the main group, handing the black jersey and its prize to Sante Carollo. This incident prompted Malabrocca to abandon his pursuit of last place. Malabrocca’s antics earned him the nickname “il Cinese” for his almond-shaped eyes. He led a “gang,” the Banda Malabrocca, a group of cyclist friends who shared his love for the sport and camaraderie. They traveled together, racing across Italy and even abroad. His granddaughter, Serena, keeps his memory alive. She remembers him not just as a cyclist but as a loving grandfather who took her on walks in the woods. While Luigi Malabrocca may be known for his pursuit of last place, his story reminds us that sometimes, it’s not about winning but about the journey, the ingenuity, and the stories we create along the way.