Two decades on, fresh intel from a mafia source threatens to blow the case wide open. Italian journalist Lorenzo Bodrero takes us through the present day-inquiry, and the shocking new evidence that has come to light. New witnesses, new theories, and new evidence all surface - nearly 20 years on, are we any closer to finding out what really happened to Marco Pantani?
Narrated by Hugh Dennis, with the voices of Iain Ferrier and Helen Roper
Sound design: Rich Evans
Additional production: Lorenzo Bodrero, Matt Kenyon and Ed Morrish
Writer and producer: Katie Sayer
Executive producer: Jon Holmes
17/08/2023
29:58
9. Prima Facie
Mystery bruises, missing cash… driven by Tonina Pantani, 2 inquiries into Marco’s death follow. Family members present new evidence, alleging that Pantani was beaten, forced to drink cocaine, and murdered - but it all comes to nothing. The second inquiry is dismissed - and it seems like the pirate has been put to rest for good.
That is, until 2020…
Narrated by Hugh Dennis, with the voices of Iain Ferrier and Helen Roper
Sound design: Rich Evans
Additional production: Lorenzo Bodrero, Matt Kenyon and Ed Morrish
Writer and producer: Katie Sayer
Executive producer: Jon Holmes
10/08/2023
24:45
8. The People's Pirate
Italy, and the world, are struck by grief at the death of the pirate. But as mourners throng the streets of Cesenatico, those closest to Marco are possessed by an undercurrent of suspicion.
We speak to the woman who knew Marco best - his mother, Tonina Pantani - about the Marco she knew - and about her gut instinct that something about the ‘crime’ scene seems wrong..
Narrated by Hugh Dennis, with the voices of Iain Ferrier and Helen Roper
Sound design: Rich Evans
Additional production: Lorenzo Bodrero, Matt Kenyon and Ed Morrish
Writer and producer: Katie Sayer
Executive producer: Jon Holmes
3/08/2023
22:25
7. A Sad Day For The Sport
After his disqualification from the 1999 Giro, Marco Pantani is devastated and withdrawn. His cocaine abuse worsens, and he becomes obsessed with clearing his name. Friends and family watch on, helpless, as his career begins to slip away - and then, on Valentine’s Day 2004, some devastating news shocks Italy: the Pirate has is dead.
Narrated by Hugh Dennis, with the voices of Iain Ferrier and Helen Roper
Sound design: Rich Evans
Additional production: Lorenzo Bodrero, Matt Kenyon and Ed Morrish
Writer and producer: Katie Sayer
Executive producer: Jon Holmes
27/07/2023
24:37
6. An Episode You Can't Refuse
As corruption allegations run rampant, all roads seem to lead back to the mafia. But what connections did organised crime have to sport? And is there even any such thing as ‘The Mafia’?
Today, we’re giving you an episode you can’t refuse as we delve deep into the heart of organised crime in Italy, with the help of mafia expert Professor John Dickie, and Italian journalist Lorenzo Bodrero.
New episodes released Thursday. If you’re in the UK, listen to the full series of Sport’s Strangest Crimes - first on BBC Sounds - bbc.in/3PbXQxv
Narrated by Hugh Dennis, with the voices of Iain Ferrier and Helen Roper
Sound design: Rich Evans
Additional production: Lorenzo Bodrero, Matt Kenyon and Ed Morrish
Writer and producer: Katie Sayer
Executive producer: Jon Holmes