It is with regret we must advise of the sudden passing of Giulio Mauri, a very familiar face on the Trials scene, head of the Italian Federation and a friend of Trials Central. Giulio collapsed whilst taking part in a Trials event today - the sport he loved and dedicated so much of his life to and despite the best efforts of medics, sadly passed away.
We've known and worked with Giulio for a number of years. In his prior role he was a (noisy!) colleague in the Press Room at many World Trials before giving up his journalistic commitments to focus on the Italian Federation. He was in Andorra last weekend representing the Italian Federation where we spoke and shared old jokes. He seemed in fine fettle so this news comes as a great shock.
The Italian Trials community are such a passionate people, already rocked by the sad loss of Diego Bosis this year. This will come as a double blow to the close knit family of Italian Trials and is certain to cast a dark shadow over next weekend's world round at Santo Stefano d'Aveto in Italy.
Our thoughts and sympathies go to Giulio's wife Renee, his family, friends and to all in the Italian Trials community.