SANTÉ MAZZAROLO
Santé Mazzarolo, the founder of the Alpinestars brand, passed away on the 1st May 2020 at his home in Italy at the age of 91 after a long illness. The Italian was the force behind innovative technology and design in the field of off-road motorcycling boots back in the 1970s. The Alpinestars name comes from the English translation of the Italian mountain flower Stella Alpina (Edelweiss) which grows high in the mountains where the company was founded, near Asolo.
Santé Mazzarolo founded Alpinestars in 1963 by making hiking and ski boots. But the sp ort of motocross came calling and so Santé produced quality boots which would be used by the motocross legend from Belgium, Roger DeCoster.
Bernie Schreiber: “I met Santé for the first time in 1979, just after winning the FIM World Trials Championship title in Czechoslovakia. Pete Hudson, who was then the Comerfords Import Manager for Alpinestars UK, introduced us. Just hours after the event, we all headed to a small bar for a celebration drink to discuss a potential partnership. Santé asked, in Italian with a translator, do you want to ride with us next year? I said of course, but under the condition, my name appears on those Alpinestars boots. After about 10 minutes and a lot of small numbers in US$ dollars, we had the contract details and an agreement written on two little pieces of paper which we both signed, exchanged and shook hands over. Just a few months later, I would visit the Italian factory to check the fit of my new prototype boots and sign an official agreement.
“Our working relationship lasted from 1979 to 1993, of which three of the years was with Alpinestars Bicycles. We had our ups and
downs during that time, but never a year went by that Santé, and I didn’t sit down for a family meal to discuss products and life. I was fortunate to enter his home, drink his wine and meet his wife and children Gabriele, Lucia and Gloria. He would visit the Italian FIM World Trials Championship round every year and extend his support. It didn’t matter who the motorcycle manufacturer was at the time; I always felt like a family member and part of the team. Santé was the most down to earth individual; very generous, approachable, honourable and helpful in every way. A true gentleman who loved his family, factory, workers and world-class riders. He worked day and night innovating visionary new product designs, which he then made by hand. “Around 1982 we spoke about a flat-sole boot for trials riding. I was riding on the balls of my feet all the time and didn’t like a heel on my boots. The main problem was in mud as my feet would slide into the middle of the boot and get stuck on the heel or slip off. That was a considerable innovation for trials boots, and the design is used today by every trials boot manufacturer. A perfectionist and a craftsman, his master designs had attention to detail, quality and innovation with a heart of passion for being the world’s best. He believed that your feet and mind are connected. To ‘Keep your feet up’ was to keep your mind up. If your feet are in pain, your mind will follow, and he was right. The Schreiber boot was produced for four years from 1980–1983. Over 7,000 units were sold worldwide.
“Rest in Peace, my friend.”
John Hulme – Trial and Classic Trial
Magazine: “The contribution that Alpinestars in Italy has made to the world of motorcycle sport has been second to none. In the off-road world of motorcycle trials, it has achieved immeasurable success with such great legendary names as Bernie Schreiber from the USA in the twin-shock era right through to Toni Bou from Spain in the modern era. The production signature Schreiber boots were ‘The’ ones to have in the ’80s and opened the door to boot development in terms of both safety and style. The passing of anyone is always a sad time, but I am sure that the Alpinestars light will continue to shine brightly on so many more future stars in the motorcycle world. RIP Santé Mazzarolo, we salute you.”