Luciano Berruti left us last summer, but not before earning his place as the face of classic cycling for all time. Many will remember his impressive moustache as he participated in L’Eroica cycling tour; his classic, early 20th century look and his legendary 1907 Peugeot bike, which Lucien Petit-Breton won two Tours de France with.

He participated in 15 editions of L’Eroica, the Paris-Roubaix race and the Tour of Flanders, as well as founding the Bicycle Museum of Cosseria in Italy. But what really set Luciano apart was his philosophy of life: he always made a point of taking life slowly and calmly; enjoying the little things; savouring age-old favourite dishes and indulging his passion for beautiful scenery, gastronomy and wine.

He passed away while doing what he loved best: pedalling along the roads of his beloved Liguria, in the heart of Italy. The Spanish version of L’Eroica, Eroica Hispania, will pay Luciano a well-deserved tribute in its 2018 edition, next week. The dusty trails surrounded by vineyards which those classic bikes pass through won’t be the same without him, but we’ll always have the memory of his affable smile.  Let’s raise a glass of Martelo to the great Luciano Berruti.