Ugo De Rosa, 89, the man who, along with Nani Pinarello and Ernesto Colnago, helped create the myth of Italian bicycles, adored and admired around the globe, passed away at his home in Cusano Milanese. He was one of the most prominent representatives of the school of Italian frame builders, a school that (thanks to his example) continues to produce finely crafted bicycles and serves as a point of reference for enthusiasts of all latitudes. In 1953, De Rosa began manufacturing bicycles. "I was very young – he once said in a recent interview – I was around 20 years old when I sold my first bicycle. My uncle was a motorcycle mechanic, and bicycle and motorcycle frame construction techniques were similar at the time. Therefore, I learned from him and then continued on my own..." In the 1960s and 1970s, the brand became renowned for producing racing bikes for the most popular professional teams of the time. Among these, we see The De Rosa company, now led by his son Cristiano, will celebrate its 70th anniversary in April, and patron Ugo had returned home a few days ago after being hospitalized.