The world of women’s cycling is mourning the tragic loss of young Italian talent, Sara Piffer, who has passed away at the age of 19 following a fatal training accident. The promising cyclist from Palù di Giovo, in northern Italy, was struck by a car on Friday, 24th January, while training alongside her brother, Christian, on a secondary road between Mezzocorona and Mezzolombardo.
According to initial reports, Piffer, who rode for Team Mendelspeck Ge-Man, was hit by a vehicle driven by a 70-year-old motorist. The driver allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle, veering into the opposite lane and colliding with the young cyclist. Despite the rapid arrival of emergency services, including a 118 rescue helicopter, and immediate attempts to resuscitate her with a defibrillator, Piffer succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Her untimely passing has sent shockwaves not only through the Trentino cycling community, but across the entire Italian cycling scene. Piffer’s talent had been widely recognised in recent seasons, during which she had achieved remarkable success, including winning the Italian Madison Championship on the track and a notable victory at the Giornata Nazionale Rosa in Corridonia last May.
Tributes have poured in from across the cycling world, with teammates, coaches, and fellow riders expressing their heartbreak over the loss of such a gifted young athlete. Many have highlighted the dangers faced by cyclists on the roads and renewed calls for improved safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
The Italian Cycling Federation has expressed its deepest condolences to Piffer’s family and friends, honouring her memory and achievements.
Sara Piffer’s tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by cyclists every day and the need for greater awareness and protection to ensure the safety of those who pursue their passion on the roads.
