THE world of cycling is in mourning following the death of promising rider, Samuele Privitera.
Privitera, 19, was killed in a crash during a descent in the first stage of the Giro Valle d’Aosta in Pontey, Italy, on Wednesday.
Samuele Privitera has been killed in a fatal bike crash[/caption]
The 19-year-old has been described ‘irreplacable’ following his tragic loss[/caption]
He was rushed to hospital following the crash, but sadly passed away there due to his injuries.
As a result of the devastating news, organisers have taken the decision to cancel the second stage of the event which had been scheduled for today.
Instead, racing will resume on Friday from Pre Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo, and will be preceded by a moment of silence.
The initial stretch of the stage will also be neutralised in memory of Privitera.
The young star was riding for Hagens Berman Jayco in the Under-23 race.
In tribute, team owner and general manager, Axel Merckx released an emotional statement, calling him “irreplaceable” and “always a bright light”.
The full statement on the team’s social media page said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I share news no one in our community ever wanted to hear.
“Our rider, our team-mate, and our dear friend, Samuele Privitera, has passed away following the race yesterday at Giro Val d’Aosta.
“Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team. This team has always been a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable.
“He was irreplaceable. His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light to whatever room or race that he was in at that moment. To lose him is devastating beyond words.
“Personally, I am struggling to express the sadness I feel but I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the joy he brought to our team every single day.
“He loved the bike, he loved the camera, he loved to smile, he loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family and his team-mates.
“Please keep Samuele’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead.
“On behalf of everyone at Hagens Berman Jayco, thank you for standing with us and honouring Samuele’s memory. Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team.”
Privitera was known as a good climber and finished 63rd in the last edition of the Tour of Italy for Under-23 riders.
Other cycling teams also penned heartfelt tributes to the teenager.
GreenEDGE Cycling said: “The entire organisation mourns the loss of such an incredible, talented rider, with a big heart and special personality.”
UCI said: “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who supported him. Samuele’s loss is felt across the cycling community.”
Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Samuele Privitera, 19 years old, while racing Giro Valle d’Aosta.
“Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz and the entire Intermarché-Wanty family stands by his team @HBAxeon and his loved ones.”
Team Israel – Premier Tech added: “Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to Samuele’s family and friends, the Hagens Berman Jayco team, and the Valle d’Aosta peloton after this devastating loss.”
