Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera, aged 19, died following a fall during the Tour of the Aoste Valley-Mont Blanc, as announced by the Italian Cycling Federation on Thursday.The incident occurred during Wednesday’s first stage of the race near the French and Swiss border in north-western Italy. Privitera was riding for the Hagens Berman Jayco team.“The circumstances of the accident in which he was involved on a downhill stretch of road in Pontey, 32 kilometres from the finish line, which ended in the centre of Aosta, are still unclear.”“Privitera apparently hit a speed bump and lost control of his bike.”The race organisers cancelled Thursday’s second stage following Privitera’s death. He was in his second season with the US-based team. “Promptly assisted by the medical services following the race, the young man was taken to the Parini Hospital in Aosta, where he sadly passed away,” race organisers Societa Ciclistica Valdostana said in FCI’s statement.The race will continue with the third stage on Friday, from Pre Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo.“This will be preceded by a moment of remembrance, and the initial section of the stage will be neutralised in memory of Samuele,” the organisers added. The cycling community has faced similar tragedies recently. Norwegian rider Andre Drege, 25, died during the Tour of Austria last July, while Swiss cyclist Gino Mader, 26, lost his life during the 2023 Tour of Switzerland.
