Francesco CASAGRANDE

Fernando Casagrande was an Italian road racer who competed in the pro peloton from 1992-2005. He was a consistent rider who rode well both in stage races and one-day events. In 2000 he led the Giro d’Italia going into the penultimate stage but struggled and placed second to Stefano Garzelli, but Casagrande did win the mountains classification and two stages, after spending 12 days in the maglia rosa. His major palmarès include the Clásica de San Sebastián in both 1998 and 1999, La Flèche Wallonne in 2000, the Tour de Suisse in 1999, Tirreno-Adriatico in 1996, and the Vuelta al País Vasco in 1996. Casagrande placed fourth at the World Championship road race in 1999.