Luigi Chiodi

Luigi Chiodi (18 June 1887 – 17 February 1959) was an Italian professional road cyclist active from 1907 to 1914. He was an Italian pioneer of early competitive cycling participating at the international main races in his era.

Biography Born in Turin on 18 June 1887, Chiodi turned professional in 1907 and competed until 1914. Known as a generous and determined rider, he was considered a specialist in breakaways, having “attacks in his head before even in his legs” and possessed a strong, gladiatorial physique. He won in his debut year the 1907 Susa–Moncenisio, finished second in the and third in the . At the Italian National Road Championships he finished fifth just like in the Coppa del Re, and the Corsa Nazionale. He also finished seventh in both the Milano–Bologna–Firenze and the .

In 1908, riding for Peugeot alongside his close friend Giovanni Gerbi, known as the "Diavolo Rosso", Chiodi produced what many considered his finest season. He took second place in both the and the , fourth in the Giro dell'Emilia, and fifth in the Milano–Verona, Corsa Nazionale, and Coppa Rho. Chiodi participated in the first ever Giro d'Italia in 1909 Giro d'Italia, where he finished 11th overall, claiming four top-ten stage finishes. That same year, he was third in the Gran Premio Biella and fourth in the Coppa Savona. He also competed in two Tour de France editions and three Milan–San Remo races, with his best Sanremo result being 16th in 1909 Milan–San Remo.