It is with great sadness this morning that we learn of the death of the great Italian, Franco Ballerini, at age only 45. The two-time winner of Paris-Roubaix, Ballerini died in a car rally accident on the weekend, the complete details of which are still unknown.
France Ballerini wins Paris-Roubaix in 1998, ahead of two of his Mapei teammates.
Best known for his days in the super-squadra of Mapei, Ballerini was the ultimate pro, with timeless class. One of the hardmen of Italian cyclismo, he will be sorely missed.
"Merci Roubiax." Merci Franco!
He joins the list of cycling champions who have died recently:
- Former Molteni rider & Eddy Merckx teammate Vic can Schil (Belgium)
- Another former Mapei star, the Belgian Frank Vandenbroucke
- Six day star Dimitri De Fauw, also of Belgium
Franco Ballerini, we'll miss you. RIP
