Just heard last night of the sudden death of 4 times world champion the Italian Walter Villa. I met him last year in Italy and as ever he was a very quiet, shy man but a perfect gentleman. Afriend of mine spoke to him at Misano 2 weeks ago.Although retired many years from top racing he was still actively in the sport as a rider and top engine builder. I stand to be corrected but although he never raced the TT he did actually visit the island if my memory serves me right.
He also raced and won on many pure road circuits all over Europe & along with his brother built the very fast & successfull 125 & 250 Villa racing machines. He was 58