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Marco Pantani's coffin arrives at Cesenatico's tiny church, where he was laid to rest on Wednesday

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The San Giacomo church on the eve of Pantani's funeral

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Pantani's mother, Tonina, cries in the arms of an unknown relative

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Thousands of mourners gather outside the church as Pantani's coffin is carried to his funeral

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Flowers are laid near the former Tour de France winner's coffin

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Pictures and shirts from the career of Pantani celebrating his Tour de France and Giro d'Italia successes surround his coffin

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Police and coffin bearers try to get through the massive throng awaiting the funeral

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Lance Armstrong leads a minute's silence at the Tour of the Algarve to coincide with Pantani's funeral