Young cyclist (19) crashes during race and dies
The young Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera has died. He apparently fell over a speed bump during a downhill race.
Another tragedy strikes cycling. 19-year-old Samuele Privitera died on Wednesday after a crash in the important youth race, the Giro della Valle d'Aosta.
The rider of the Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team, the junior team of the Jayco Alula team currently competing in the Tour de France , crashed in the town of Pontey. According to race officials, Privitera was immediately treated by the race doctor and taken to a hospital in Aosta. The 19-year-old died there.
The circumstances of the crash are still unclear, they say. An investigation is currently underway. According to the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera," Privitera was on a downhill ride when he hit a speed bump and lost control of his bike.
Privitera's team commented on the tragic accident on its website: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that Samuele Privitera has passed away. We mourn the loss of an incredibly talented racing driver with a big heart and a special personality. He died far too soon."
Team principal Axel Merckx, son of the legendary Eddy Merckx, is quoted as saying: "Our team is like a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable. Samuele is irreplaceable. His joy, his spirit, his kindness lit up every room. Losing him, I'm at a loss for words. We are grateful for every moment we had with him."
The second stage of the race has been canceled. A minute's silence will be held during the third stage. All award ceremonies have been canceled for the remainder of the race.
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