Passing of Franco Tomba: The Reserved Patriarch of a Skiing Legend

Franco Tomba, the father of Alberto Tomba, has passed away at the age of 84. A very private person, he always remained behind the scenes, but was one of the key figures in a long season of winter sports, not only for being the parent of one of the alpine skiing legends, but also for his great passion for the sport, which always distinguished him. Franco Tomba leaves behind his wife, Maria Grazia, and his three children: Alberto, Alessia, and Marco. Who was Franco Tomba "These are moments when it is inevitable to relive the memories of an intense and lifelong relationship," declares the President of Fisi, Flavio Roda, who has always been very close to the family of the Bolognese champion. "Franco is the one who made sure Alberto became the champion everyone knows, but he did it in an elegant way and with great seriousness. I want to recall an anecdote. He used to say to me: 'Flavio, let them ski in all conditions. Do you know how to set? Good, listen to their feelings.' At that time, Alberto was the youngest and was training with his cousin Simona and his brother Marco." Roda concludes: "Now I am close to the family, in this delicate moment."