The motorcycle racing world mourns Roberto Boano, one of the greatest figures in Italian motocross and rally raids. A native of Cuneo, he passed away overnight at the hospital in Verduno after a sudden deterioration in his health at the age of 76.
A leading rider in the 1970s and 1980s, Boano made a name for himself in the Italian and World Motocross Championships, distinguishing himself through his talent and technical skill. His name, however, remains most closely associated with the great African rallies: he competed five times in the Paris-Dakar, twice as an official Honda rider, achieving an extraordinary 11th place overall in 1991 on the legendary Africa Twin.
Boano also won the Pharaohs Rally and was a leading competitor in races held between Qatar and Dubai. Furthermore, he was a federation instructor and a role model for generations of enthusiasts. In 1976, along with his wife, Silvana, he founded Boano Moto in Caraglio, a business that became one of the best-known Honda dealerships in the off-road scene over the years.
With his passion, his achievements, and his unbreakable bond with Honda and the Africa Twin, Roberto Boano leaves a profound mark on the history of Italian motorcycling.