Franco Ballerini dies in car race
- Sunday, 7 February 2010
- 4 Comments
Italian national director and former Paris-Roubaix winner Franco Ballerini, 45, died in Larciano, Italy, this morning due to injuries suffered in a rally car race.
Ballerini co-piloted a rally car driven by Italian Alessandro Ciardi when they went off course and crashed around 8:30. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, both were taken to a hospital near Pistoia, but Ballerini died despite the help of medics.
As a national director, Ballerini guided Italy to five wins since taking the post in 2001: The World Championships in 2002, 2006 - 2008, and the 2004 Olympic road race. He raced professional for 16 years, winning the one-day Paris-Roubaix classic in 1995 and 1998.
Franco Ballerini riding to victory in Paris Roubaix
Reader comments
Add your commentsFebruary 07 17:28
Matt
Tragic. The greatest Paris-Roubaix rider of his generation in my opinion. I was a big fan of his since Duclos narrowly beat him in 93, when Franco was clearly the strongest man in the race. Every year after that I always cheered him on and saw him win it twice. Another one of my heros gone too soon.
February 07 21:24
mick
Very sad to hear of the passing of this great man. He will be greatly missed by the world of
Cycling and the Italian team in particular. Deepest condolances.
February 08 16:49
Mike Revill
Devastated to hear of the loss of a truly great rider.A true Italian legend,A true strongman with class .The world of cycling as lost a legend
February 08 20:49
steve clarke
What a sad loss.
Condolences to his family and friends.