Terrible news from Italy…founder and owner of the famous Hotel Zi’ Martino, Carlo Guarguaglini, passed away this evening in Tuscany. Carlo rode the Tour, the Giro, the Tour of Lombardy, and many other  events during his time as a pro in Italy in the ’50s.

After his career he started his hotel below the small village of Castagneto Carducci, 100k south of Pisa, on the Tuscan coast. Carlo married a local, Isa, and the two created a legendary spot in the cycling world–teams like Lampre, Motorola, and the Navigators all trained at Zi’s over the years.

Isa and Carlo’s two sons–Fausto and Giancarlo–still live in the village. Fausto and Isa run Zi’ Martino, while Giancarlo has his own hotel next door.

Cycling journalist, Mark Mahan, reports Carlo had been ill over the past couple years. Sadly, I haven’t been to Tuscany during that time, so I didn’t get to share one last laugh with Carlo. He had a booming voice and a sparkle in his eye. He loved watching soccer or cycling, and in characteristically Italian fashion, arguing over every detail of the game or race. He was a kind and generous man, who hosted my friends and me dozens of times.

Andy Hampsten’s Cinghiale Cycling Tours call Hotel Zi’ Martino home, though it will be a little less so without Carlo. Hundreds of American cyclists got to meet him over the years, while traveling and bike-touring there. Carlo was a legend. I’ll miss you, bello…rest in peace.