Born in Novara, Piedmont, Saronni turned professional in 1977. During his career, that lasted until 1989, he won 193 races. In Italy he gave birth to a famous rivalry with Francesco Moser, like those of Alfredo Binda with Learco Guerra, and Fausto Coppi with Gino Bartali. He competed in the team pursuit event at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

In 1978 Saronni won three stages in the Giro d'Italia. In total he would win 24 stages in this race, winning the overall twice (1979 and 1983).

In 1982 he won the World Cycling Championship at Goodwood, England, beating American Greg LeMond. His final sprint was so impressive that it gained him the nickname of "Goodwood rifle-shot". The previous year he had won a silver medal, as he had been overcome in the final by Freddy Maertens of Belgium. In 1982 Saronni also won the Giro di Lombardia.

At the beginning of 1983 another striking sprint gave him the Milan–San Remo classic, after three consecutive second places in that race. This was Saronni's last great classics victory.

Saronni serves as the general manager of the Lampre cycling team.

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