Bad news that we never wanted to report. Dr. Giuseppe Soldà has passed away. He lived in Padua and was 76 years old. He died in the semi-intensive care unit at Padua Hospital following a kidney transplant on May 24th. Who didn't know him in the cycling world? From 1978 to 1988 he was the doctor of the national amateur team, working alongside technical commissioner Eddy Gregori, from Trieste. After the Seoul Olympics in 1988, in November, he suffered a heart attack that forced him to undergo a heart transplant at the Gallucci Center in Padua where he remained hospitalized for 15 days. For 35 years after the delicate surgery, he lived as if nothing had happened "but always dutiful as a cardiac patient," says his wife Maria Grazia Marigo, 69 years old.

By a twist of fate, his career began after the transplant. Graduated in medicine in 1977, he was appointed chief physician at the hospitals of Cittadella and Camposampiero, in Padua, in 2001. He was now working at the Bolis nursing home in Selvazzano, in the province of Padua. "He worked until the day before his kidney transplant because he had such affection for his patients," his wife states.

He entered the cycling world in 1978 to replace another doctor, and from there began a remarkable career. He accompanied the gold medal quartet to the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, composed of Eros Poli from Verona, Tuscans Marco Giovanetti, Marcello Bartalini and Claudio Vandelli from Emilia. And from there he witnessed many successes for Italy.

Married to Maria Grazia for 46 years, he is also survived by five daughters: Elena, Caterina, Chiara, Sara and Benedetta.

"He was the doctor of all cyclists," says with tears in his eyes Roberto Zoccarato, former athlete and respected sports director - "he was always generous with advice, and always found time to answer you on the phone. He told me that the athlete he examined with the strongest 'engine' was Mario Cipollini. When it came to cycling, he was always available. Cycling loses a great figure."

"He did everything for the family, he lived for us. But for cycling, he had a passion for young riders who would later turn professional," says his wife. He will leave us with a wonderful memory."

The funeral will take place Saturday morning in Padua at the Church of San Giovanni Bosco. Many will come to say goodbye to the "doctor of cycling."

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Giuseppe Soldà.