Francesco Zerbiemblematic figure of the world of two wheels both in Italy and internationally, died in Rome last Monday, June 23. The next day, Wednesday 24, he was buried in the Italian capital, a city where he developed much of his career.
Born on June 28, 1932 in Tourianova (Reggio Calabria), Zerbi He exercised as a lawyer, although his true footprint was printed in the motor world. Presided over the Italian motorcyclistic federazione (IMF) from 1979 to 1996, and later also occupied the presidency of the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM), leaving an indelible legacy in both institutions.
This was the career of Francesco Zerbi
Francesco Zerbi He was elected president of the IMP On June 16, 1979, initiating a strategic renewal stage in the transalpine country. Just two months later, the Italian team celebrated an important victory in the six international days of Enduro (ISDE) held in Germany, one of the great resistance events. That success marked the beginning of a golden age for Italian motorcycling. And, all under his leadership.
During your mandate, Zerbi It promoted numerous initiatives that laid the foundations of modern motorcycling in Italy. In fact, in 1982 he promoted the creation of the Team Azzurro di Velocitàa national team that sought to support and train the young talents of speed, and that in 1985 adopted the final name of Team Italy. Of course, still in force as a quarry of future champions.
Another of his most remarkable bets was to strengthen sports and organizational structures in the transalpine country. In 1983, under its presidency, the National Registry of Carrera Directors was created, in order to professionalize and unify the management criteria in competitions. It was also key to impulse to Italian base motorcycling and the implementation of the first Italian motocross female trophy in the category of 125 cc in the early 90s, a pioneering initiative in the promotion of women’s sports on two wheels.
Zerbi It was also actively involved in road safety and assets. During his mandate in Italy, the IMP He took a clear position in favor of the mandatory use of the helmet for all motorists, when it was still a issue of social and political debate in his country. At the same time, the Federation requested the official recognition of the Historical Registry of the Italian to the Italian Government of the IMPwhich materialized in 1987 and contributed to preserve the legacy of the Italian classic motorcycles.
He Motocampan international encounter that continues to work and is focused on sport and coexistence, was another ideas arising during its presidency. Proposed in 1981 before the FIMthe initiative is still alive today and is testimony of the integrative vision of motorcycling that defended Zerbibeyond pure competition.
November 25, 1995, Francesco Zerbi He was elected president of the FIMposition that led him to leave the presidency of the IMP On February 18, 1996. His march was temporarily covered in Italy by the vice president Piero Mario Rozzauntil in September of that same year he was chosen as successor Paolo Sesti. Zerbi He was then appointed honorary president of both the IMP as of the FIMand also received the title of Honorary Member of FIM Europerecognition of his tireless international work.
The current president of the IMP, Giovanni Copioliexpressed in an emotional statement the deep regret of the entire institution for the loss of a reference: “Francesco Zerbi was a key figure of motorcycling at national and international level. He knew how to contribute an innovative vision, professionalize the Federation and leave an indelible mark. His personal closeness and his commitment to the motorcyclist community were exemplary. Many of the achievements that we celebrate today in the IMF are the result of their work”
The funeral of Francesco Zerbi It was held, as we told you at the beginning, last Wednesday, June 25 at 9:30 am in the Parish Church of San Giuseppe, in Rome. His death came a few days before he turned 92, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will remain alive on the tracks, in the teams and in every corner of Italian and international motorcycling.
