Tragic news from Italy as 19-year-old cyclist Samuele Privitera has died following a crash during the opening stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta.
Privitera, riding for Hagens Berman Jayco, fell while descending, reportedly lost his helmet, and hit a gate. He was taken to hospital but sadly passed away from his injuries. Authorities are now investigating what happened.
The team’s owner, Axel Merckx, paid tribute, saying:
“Samuele was and always will be the heart and soul of this team. We’re like a small family, and this is simply unimaginable.”
As a mark of respect, the second stage of the race has been cancelled. The event takes place in northern Italy, near the French border.
