https://www.newspapers.com/image/149455034/?terms=%22roland%20della%20santa%22
03 August 1986 page 25
https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2019/05/06/framebuilder-roland-della-santa-dies
https://pezcyclingnews.com/features/rest-in-peace-roland-della-santa/
roland della santa
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/roland-della-santa-OELrSQWXQxax6r6nBDDkVw
Roland Della Santa was a renowned American framebuilder and cyclist, best known for his custom steel frames and his significant influence on the career of legendary cyclist Greg LeMond. Here are some key points about his life and contributions:
Biography and Career
Early Life and Heritage: Della Santa was of Italian descent, with his family originating from the Lucca province in Tuscany. He was a second-generation Italian-American.
Cycling Career: Della Santa was an active cyclist himself, participating in races in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was modest about his racing achievements, preferring to focus on the stories of other cyclists.
Framebuilding Career: He began building frames in 1970 and became a full-time framebuilder by 1976. Della Santa was known for his craftsmanship and attention to detail, creating custom steel frames for racers and collectors.
Influence on Cycling
Greg LeMond: Della Santa played a pivotal role in LeMond's early career. He not only built frames for LeMond but also educated him about European professional cycling, inspiring his passion for the sport.
Northern California Cycling Scene: Della Santa was part of the vibrant Northern California cycling scene, alongside figures like Gary Fisher and Tom Ritchey. His bikes and teams contributed significantly to the rise of racing in the region.
Personal Traits and Legacy
Personality: Della Santa was known for his sarcastic humor, strong opinions, and perfectionism in his craft. He was a lifelong enthusiast of cycling, with a deep appreciation for its history and legends.
Legacy: Della Santa's legacy extends beyond his frames; he is remembered as a key figure in American cycling history, particularly for his influence on LeMond and his contributions to the development of the sport in the U.S..
Della Santa passed away in May 2019 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as a master craftsman and a passionate advocate for cycling