Giorgio Ursi started cycling as an 18-year-old with the Bartali Rovis club in Trieste where he showed excellent promise as a time-trialist. Whilst doing his military service, he was spotted by the Italian cycling coach Guido Costa, who called Ursi up to the squad for the Tokyo Olympics. Ursi confirmed the trust of Costa, and won the silver medal in the 4,000 metres individual pursuit behind the Czech Jiří Daler after beating the world champion Tiemen Groen in an Olympic record in the semi-final. Unfortunately, Ursi did not live up to his Olympic expectations and, apart from a bronze medal behind Groen and Daler at the 1966 World Championships, he won little of note. Ursi never turned professional and found a job as a mechanic. He died suddenly at his home in Gorizia, a month after his 40th birthday..
Italy