At the 1960 Olympics, Giuseppe Beghetto won the tandem gold with Sergio Bianchetto. In their four races, they never lost a heat, easily beating the East Germans in the final. As an amateur, Beghetto set the world record in the 200 m (11.40), in the kilometer race (1:08.40), and won one Italian title (1961) and two World Championship silvers in the sprint (1961-62), both times losing to Bianchetto. At the advice of his tandem partner, Beghetto switched to the professionals, with great success. Succeeding his compatriot Antonio Maspes, he won three world titles in the sprint (1965, 1966 and 1968), placing second in 1967. He also added three Italian titles (1967-1969). On the road, Beghetto was less successful, his best performances being two stage wins in the Giro di Sardegna (1969) and one in Tirreno-Adriatico (1971). Beghetto’s son, Massimo, later became a football player, winning the Italian cup with Vicenza in 1997. In honor of his sporting achievements, Beghetto was awarded a Gold Medal by the Italian Olympic Committee.
Italy