Sad News

[David Lombari]

Rally accident claims Roubaix winner’s life

Former Italian cyclist Franco Ballerini was tragically killed on Sunday after a competitive accident while contesting the 1st Rally Ronde as a co-driver for experienced pilot Alessandro Ciardi. Ballerini suffered serious injuries in the accident before passing away at the Hospital of Pistoia, while no report on Ciardi’s condition has been made available.

[-Adam-]

A sad loss, he was a real hardman of cycling. I'm told, a really nice guy of the bike too. And kudos for dragging the Italians out of their own backsides and get them organised enough to win 4 world championships in 8 years, that's equally as impressive as his own achievements on the bike.

[-Adam-]

[quote="Sean Hogan"]I've only just realised who he was.