Lo Sceriffo
In May, Velominati wake up too early, brew espresso and open laptop computers to watch small streaming videos of the Giro d’Italia. We notice how different the Giro is from the Tour de France. It’s more colorful, more vibrant, more full of life. If Hinault somehow represents the TdF, Moser would represent the Giro. Lo Sceriffo, The Sheriff, Francesco Moser––it’s hard to get a grip on these older riders as we just have still photos and some short bits of film, if we are lucky, to take their measure. In the Paris-Roubaix film, A Sunday in Hell, late in the race, the winning break has gone away, it is Moser who appears out of the dust. He is in his Italian Champion jersey, hunkered low over his bike, flying down the edge of the road to catch Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck. He is cooler than Eddy.
Moser was one of the few people who dared take on the Hour Record. He beat Merckx’s 1972 record but it was on a much more aerodynamic bike (and some extra red blood cells, a new and then legal practice ). His stroke defined magnificent and his position on the bike is something one could only aspire to: in the drops, upper torso low and flat, he is all legs and forward motion.
To call him the Fabian Cancellara of his day would be more accurate when Fabian wins yet another Paris-Roubaix, a few more classics, the World Championship road race, a Grand Tour and continues to kick ass for another five years. As racers they share many similarities; they are big powerful men, tough Classic racers, excellent time trialists, both Passistas with a capital P.
Obviously I’m a big fan of his. A big powerful Italian who excelled on both cold cobbles of Northern Europe and stage racing in Italy, a World Champion and a Giro winner and he still is fit and whips his old rivals at cycling events. What’s not to love?
“Francesco Moser, who won, was at his pinnacle. He was the most macho macho-man you ever met in your life” -John Eustice, who was on the very first American team to ride in the Giro, 1984
This quote thrills me. Moser seems not to have been the pugnacious prick that Hinault was. I suspect he was just as intimidating but a look was all that was required. To a skinny young American pro like John Eustice, finally riding in the european pro ranks and rubbing shoulders with Francesco in Moser’s home Tour, it must have been extremely humbling. When “lo sceriffo” says the peloton rides piano, everyone rides piano. Moser probably made him shave off that sweet ‘stash too.
Sad not to be born in the era of pure road racing and missing out on watching Moser, Maertens, Merckx, de Vlaeminck, Hinault plying their trade
Damn – he still looks like a sherriff, doesn’t he? I think I’d allow myself to be run out of town rather than go up against him in a gunfight.
Grazie, Gianni. Classy post about a classy guy. There are a few hero riders who I would happily approach in a casual/gran fondo/cafe setting, and Moser is one of them.
Great article Gianni! The video says it all.
@Bianchi Denti
I had the chance to ride with him few years ago, he really like to tell his stories, he’s a guy that do not disappoints tifosi, I never dared to pass him on the hills of Cesenatico…
Brilliant, Gianni! I was a big Moser fan at the time of his career, and I still am today. Cheers for the memories.
@Pedale.Forchetta
Oh man! I KNEW that you would say you’ve met him. I am SO moving to Italy permanently to hang out with you and your friends. Oh, no, wait, that’s right – I ride a compact. Damn, damn, damn.
@Pedale.Forchetta
Jeez, what’s next, you have espresso with Merckx every morning?!?! So cool.
Nice piece, Gianni. When Moser blows past the Frenchmen, wow, what were they thinking?
Solid. Moser is a lord. Some beautiful bikes built under his moniker, too.
The guy can rock a kit. During past years world championships he was leading a ride in Italy that was televised in RAI.
This is a great read, made even better with the nice video clip. Thanks, Gianni. Moser is a beast. I imagine it’s quite demoralizing to have him crush past you like he does those French riders.
The only thing I know about Moser is how he is portrayed in The Flying Scotsman. If that is what he is really like then he is one cool dude.
I’ve always been a Moser fan. Has there ever been anyone with a more naturally aero position on the bike? I doubt it. Pure style and strength. He was always a bit of a game-changer too. His use of aero equipment, one of the first riders to regularly wear sunglasses, use a skinsuit, and had the balls to be one of the first Italians (on an Italian team no less) to use Shimano equipment instead of Campagnolo. Class.
Perhaps a bit off topic but with respect to:
Being a born again Velominatus, I handn’t taken the time to watch the Giro in years past. But after watching every stage so far this year (makes for great background noise while working from home), I have to agree that the Giro (at least this year’s race) looks more “real” and more “raw” that the TdF. Not to mention more brutal.
Awesome! I love “A Sunday in Hell,” and when he pulls through like that, entering the shot I get chills. Rotary action!
The comparison to Cancellara makes me realize just how incredible Lo Sceriffo was; I knew he was great, but didn’t realize how great. Thanks for setting me straight.
And the mustache bit had me laughing, “Ugh, hey, that thing needs to go, sport.” I can just imagine being in Italy and having the Italiano Sceriffo look over at you as he pedals away so smoothly with a look of disdain regarding your facial hair.
And wow, if I look like that at his age I’ll be pretty happy.
Gianni, Gianni, Gianni. Fucking rad. Haven’t been the biggest fan of his, but I’m coming around. For those of us who didn’t watch the races live, we’re influenced by rumours like the one that the race organizers robbed Fignon of a Giro win and crap like that. But that’s just on side of the story. Awesome article. Thanks.
I always thought that Dan Casebeer, owner of Grand Performance in St. Paul, MN looked like Moser. He seemed to be built like him and looks like him. And he rides like him. Dan would steamroll us on any day of riding or racing, any time.
I remember watching him race one day at this crit course in St. Paul. We all raced there alot, it was on a car racing track, so super twisty and fun, but really safe because there was no traffic. He just rode right off the front of the pack, then kept giving me instructions to yell at the teammates back in the bunch. He just kept opening up a gap, ITT’ing off the front like it was Sunday afternoon (it may well have been Sunday afternoon) and the bunch was chasing and losing ground. Class.
He got me into Bianchi, and, on my first resurrection as a Velominatus, he was my Cycling Sensei. Grazi Gianni for bringing this up, and Grazzi Dan for helping me see the light.
Thanks for the write up on The Sheriff. This tell me I need to bone up on my cycling history beyond LeMond-Hinault. The picture just has that look like ” I may be old, but I’ll still wup you ass!”
Super cool.
@Pedale.Forchetta @G’phant
You really living our fantasy cycling life Pedale, riding a Grand Fondo with Moser. It’s good you didn’t pass him, Lo Sceriffo would have given you such a look.
To be dropped by Moser in a Grand Fondo, that would be on my life list.
G’phant, I have a compact too, safety in numbers. Maybe the Italians would somehow take pity on us.
@Ron
The Eustice-Moser comparison kills me, both males of the species but that’s where the similarities end. Eustice must have hastily shaved off the ‘stash after the first stage.
I agree about Moser blasting by the camera in a Sunday in Hell, it really is IT! Making the two blown-out French guys look like they are standing still. His position truly is awesome, so low and fast.
Great article. I love the old video as well.
Speaking of the video, at the very start there appear to be two guys sporting the classic Brooklyn jersey, unless I’m mistaken. I now live in a neighborhood called Brooklyn (not THE Brooklyn, just a Brooklyn). How douche-tastic would it be for me to rock one of those with black bibs?
@Gianni I was about to post a comment over on that other thread we have going but stopped to catch up on this one instead. Good as the points are over there, I’d much rather read something like this. Grazie mille.
@mcsqueak
Totally douche-tastic! Do it man. You could be the local Roger De Vlaeminck. There was a Italian tri-colore version of that jersey that I lusted after but it was never in anything but wee Italian sizes.
WE had his hour-record bike in a shop where I used to work. It was truly amazing to have in front of you, a true piece of cycling history.
And that rear disc was massive!
@Pedale.Forchetta
Thanks for confirming, PF. So jealous right now.
A few years ago I was lucky enough to come into possession of a Benotto Modelo 3000, which bore world champion rainbow decals on the top tube and a small sticker commemorating the 1977 worlds in San Cristobal, Venezuela, where Moser won. At the time I had no idea who Moser was, and now I like to imagine that in the years following his triumph he rode a bike just like mine. Now the Columbus masterpiece hangs on my wall.
@Dashiell
Nice. I looked on eBay for Moser steel frames and they are scarce. Yours might have to come off the wall.
@frank
How else was Moser supposed to win a Giro? With all those climbs? We are talking Itay after all. I believe the Giro Moser won was heavily weighted toward flatter stages and flatter time trials just so he would have a chance. The climbers should not get all the Grand Tours, no?
I just finished riding one of my F.Mosers in honor of this great post. Apparently, Francesco and Vic Haines are attempting the Tandem Hour Record this August. The Sheriff rides again. :)
Like this?
Great Post: What I find amazing about the video is that these guys were too tough for head protection, even when riding on the stones…but in this short clip you can see a few guys crashed and ended up with big gashes on their heads. These guys have all paid attention to Rule #5.
Nice one Gianni.
That quote by Eustice sums up everything I know about Moser. He was very cool both on and off the bike. Great that you’ve used a current photo of him as well. Still looks as cut as his Pro days. Awesome
Some of my favourite shots of him on
and off
the bike.
These guys didn’t pay attention to Rule #5, they are why Rule #5 exists!
@Gianni
Great post Gianni, and a top choice of photo. If his arms look like that, imagine what condition his legs still must be in. He could still tear half of today’s peloton a new one I’d say.
Just to show that there were ‘mericans other than LeMond and Bobke around here is Eustice – at the US Pro Championships – back in the day…
Oops! Sorry!
Eustice…
@James
One of my Mosers? Oh you must send some photos so we can drool. One of my Mosers indeed, don’t toy with me, friendo.
And the tandem hour record?! What the hell is that crazy talk? Find the toughest guy you can, and take a one hour tour deep into the pain cave, no flashlights. How about Jens and Fabooo on a tandem, Fabs in der stoker saddle?
The tandem hour record. I am duly intrigued.
@Durishin
He looks better after Francesco made him shave off the ‘stash. He looks mean.
@Gianni
We (in Italy) are very lucky from this point of view!
On Sunday I’ll be at The Giro, let’s see if the Sheriff still has his star-badge!
@1speedlos
That rear wheel looks like it’s putting down enough V that it’s bending the planking!
Yeah the hole in the forehead of the guy who’s crashed at 1:30 is pretty epic!
@Gianni: Teriffic stuff. Even today, Moser still oozes class. Not an ounce of suffering on that face or frame. Compare, though, with the Gypsy:
Mr. Paris-Roubaix looks great, but those hands, those eyes, and that body have been through the wars. You wouldn’t know that by looking at Moser. I don’t actually know where I’m going with this, and I don’t mean to diminish either of these champions. RDV looks as though the cobbles and the cult of Belgian cycling are still coursing through his veins. Moser: more the romance and sunshine of a grand tour.
@Pedale.Forchetta
See if he can write you a note that says something like, “Don’t Obey Rule #5. Be Rule #5. “
@Gianni
This is what I had heard also, but the course selection was only part of it:
I also have read that years later Moser admitted this to le Professeur and apologized.
@Gianni
Here’s a few in the project queue…
@James
At least a few of those look to be 59/60/61cm frames. I know where you can unload one if you’re looking for a new home for them.
@frank
Right on, you are correct on the sizing, and you might just get your wish if I’m forced to relocate in a few months. Any way, my old, fillet-brazed Leader AX remains my favorite bike to ride.
@James
I am almost as tall as Frank and more than happy to provide accommodation to another one. It’s what a mate would do.
@James
@G’phant
I wasn’t going to be such a vulture about it as some of the folks here, but if you’re moving and needing to get rid of them, if you could put one through a hot rinse cycle and shrink it down to a 56, I’d be happy to take it off your hands…
@Steampunk
Great photo! I had to stare for a moment to recognize him. Maybe it’s the general diet of Italians versus the Belgians (frites and mayo) that tells the tale.
Like Brett said,
@James
Chapeau my friend. This is quite a nice stable of select frames you have. Can you still get decals? That always is a show stopper after a nice repaint. Good on you.
@Pedale.Forchetta
Buon weekend at the Giro. Say hello to Francesco for us.