bartali had a heart bypass operation and then died of a heart attack in may 2000, having received the last rites 10 days earlier. he left behind his wife, adriana, two sons and a daughter. the prime minister, giuliano amato, sent condolences. romano prodi, president of the european commission, called him "a symbol of the most noble sportsmanship." the italian national olympic committee (coni) called for two days of mourning and silence was observed before sports events.