Tragic news just in from Castiglion Fiorentino, where Chiara Meoni has lost her fight against a slow, inexorable disease. Chiara, just 18, was the daughter of Fabrizio.

The daughter of the Italian champion, who died during the 2005 edition of the Paris-Dakar, had been battling a serious illness for a long time. She had been discharged from the Ospedale Meyer in Florence in recent days, her brother Gioele and mother Elena taking her home.

The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon at the Rivaio church. News of her death came via Mario Agnelli, the mayor of the town where the Meoni family live, who paid tribute to Chiara’s memory with a touching post on Facebook.

The mayor’s words

"Dear Chiara, you knew you had a legendary father and now I hope you can race alongside him. You also had an extraordinary mum and brother, who have proved to be just as special as Fabrizio, and you know what I’m talking about”, reads the message.

"As for me and the promise I could not keep, I ask for your forgiveness, because I was unable to do what I’d said and what I was convinced I would be able to do. Now, in an attempt to contain our grief, which won’t be at all easy because nothing will be as it was before, I declare a full day of mourning tomorrow in your beloved Castiglioni. Thanks for your smile beautiful soul, fly high in the sky.”

The Motosprint team extends its sincere condolences to the Meoni family.

Translated by Heather Watson

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