Career
From Pian di Scò in Tuscany, Chioccioli was nicknamed 'Coppino' due to his likeness in appearance to Fausto Coppi. The youngest of eight brothers, he debuted in professional cycling with Selle Italia in 1982. He had early wins at the Coppa Agostoni in 1984, at the 1984 Giro del Trentino, and the Giro del Friuli in 1985.
Chioccioli had five top-ten finishes at the Tour of Italy prior to his overall victory in the race, with three stage wins. He had placed sixth overall in 1986 and 1990, finished fifth in 1988 and 1989, and had worn the leader's pink jersey in 1988 prior to losing it in blizzard conditions to American Andy Hampsten.
Chioccioli won the 1991 Giro d'Italia ahead of compatriots Claudio Chiappucci, Massimiliano Lelli and Gianni Bugno. It was a tough race with 35 mountain climbs. He won three individual stages, an individual time trial and two in the mountains, including at the top of Marmolada, and wore the leader's maglia rosa for 19 days across the three-week race.
Defending his title at the 1992 Giro d'Italia, Chioccioli placed third overall behind an imperious Miguel Indurain and Claudio Chiappucci, his performance including a win on the penultimate stage ahead of Indurain on Mount Ologno. Chioccioli won stage 15 of the 1992 Tour de France from Le Bourg-d'Oisans to St Etienne in his debut appearance in the race, winning with a solo breakaway as the race left The Alps.
Overall Giro della Lunigiana
Young rider classification Giro d'Italia
Overall Giro del Trentino
Overall Giro d'Italia
