In the aftermath of the devastation from World War II, Italy was in shambles with a depressed economy and failed infrastructure.

The return of the popular sport of bicycle road racing, with epic battles between famed riders, helped to restore a sense of national pride and accomplishment - especially with the Giro d'Italia competitions.

Against the backdrop of these gatherings of competitors, sponsors, news crews and spectators - behind the scenes - the races fomented a confluence of political, corporate, regional and criminal agendas - most notably during the 1953 Giro race…