Cycling talent Samuele Privitera dies after racing accident

"Moments like these are unimaginable. Losing him is indescribably devastating. Rest in peace, Samuele! You will always be part of this team," said Axel Merckx. The son of Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx, he is the head of the Hagens Berman Jayco team, for which Samuele Privitera rode.

The 19-year-old Italian crashed on Wednesday during the first stage of the Tour of Aosta Valley and later died in a hospital in the city of Aosta. Organizers of the tour in northern Italy said the exact circumstances of the crash are still being investigated. The second stage, scheduled for this Thursday, has been canceled.

Italian media reported that Privitera crashed while descending a bumpy road at a speed of nearly 70 kilometers per hour. He lost his helmet and hit a barrier. He sustained severe head injuries and his heart stopped. The 19-year-old was resuscitated at the scene but later died of his injuries, it was reported.

Minute of silence at the Tour de France

The UCI expressed its condolences: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and all those who supported him. Samuele's loss is felt throughout the cycling community."

Tadej Pogacar, defending champion and favorite in the current Tour de France , also remembered the late Italian cycling talent. "Rest in peace," the Slovenian wrote in his Instagram story. A minute's silence was observed for Samuele Privitera before the start of the 12th stage of the Tour this Thursday.