Marco Lonis, a 66-year-old amateur cyclist from Senorbì, in Sardinia’s province of Cagliari, died on Saturday 18 July 2026 after being struck by a car while riding on the SS128 highway between Mandas and Senorbì. The collision occurred at approximately 07:30 local time on a stretch of road he knew well and rode often.
Local authorities investigating the crash report the impact was so severe Lonis died instantly after his body smashed through the windshield of the car, a Citroën C3, driven by a 43-year-old woman.
Those who knew Lonis described a man defined by his generosity and steady presence, both on and off the bike. He was a committed member of his local club weekend riding group, training on days without organised races and joining fellow riders on familiar routes, including rides to the Sant’Ignazio Sanctuary in nearby Laconi. Fellow cyclist Paolo Massenti, who by chance rode a different route that morning and arrived at the tragic scene shortly after the crash, described Lonis as a constant companion on rides whose absence has left the group in shock and disbelief.
Lonis’s ties to sport ran deeper still. Polisportiva Senorbì, a local multi-sport club, remembered him as a former player and official, extending condolences to his wife, Lucia, and sons Alessandro and Carlo. Mandas mayor Umberto Oppus, who knew Lonis personally, called him “a great man” in a public message to the family.
Colleagues and neighbours described him as approachable and generous with his time, a familiar face at community events beyond the cycling club. Local youth summer camp organisers in Senorbì postponed a scheduled celebration out of respect, citing the grief felt across the town.
Lonis is remembered not for victories or podiums, but for the steady, joyful presence he brought to the sport he loved.
Gran Fondo Daily News extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Marco Lonis.
Photo Credit: Paolo Massenti
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