Alberto Tomba
Tomba is known as much these days for his cult-crazy following as for the power of his assault on the course. His name recognition in Italy puts him in the constellation of racing drivers and soccer players, somewhere between Pavarotti and the pope. And it’s not just the winning that thrills his fans. Often, there is a hint of defeat just before. In one World Cup race, a gate flag wrapped itself around his neck, nearly taking him down....