Samuele Privitera, a 19-year-old cyclist who crashed during the Giro della Valle D'Aosta, has died.

Samuele Privitera, a 19-year-old cyclist from Imperia involved in a serious accident during the first stage of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta in the municipality of Pontey, died yesterday evening. The rider was likely thrown from his position by a bump during a descent. He lost his helmet and struck his head violently against a gate, suffering a serious head injury. He was taken to the Umberto Parini Hospital in Aosta in serious condition.

"This incident causes us enormous pain; I never would have imagined a tragedy of this magnitude. Now the report of what happened must be forwarded to the police and the International Cycling Union," said Riccardo Moret, patron of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta. "The circumstances of the accident are still unclear and are being examined by the public safety authorities," the organizers announced.

The promising youngster from Hagens Berman Jayco had set off along with 130 other young athletes for the first stage of the so-called 'Petit Tour', considered one of the toughest and most important events for the under-23s with its 500 kilometers, partly in France, and 12,000 meters of altitude difference.

The organizing committee has decided to cancel the second stage scheduled for today, Thursday, July 17th, in Passy. The race will resume with the third stage on Friday the 18th, from Pré Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo, preceded by a moment of reflection.