Fatal Cycling Mishap in Italy Claims Life of 19-Year-Old
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 19-year-old Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera, a member of the junior team of Hagens Berman Jayco, a World Tour team, tragically lost his life following an accident during the first stage of the 61st Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc.
The incident occurred on a high-speed descent in the municipality of Pontey, where Privitera crashed. Reports suggest that he lost control of his bike after hitting a speed bump or an uneven road at approximately 70 km/h. He was immediately treated by paramedics and taken to the hospital in Aosta with a critical prognosis, but later succumbed to his injuries.
The details of the accident are currently under investigation by law enforcement. As a tribute to the young cyclist, the second stage of the race was canceled. The first section of the stage will be neutralized in memory of Samuele Privitera, and the race will resume on Friday, preceded by a minute of silence.
Other cycling teams have expressed their condolences for Privitera, including former Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and superstar cyclist Tadej Pogacar, who expressed his condolences on Instagram. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) also offered its condolences for Privitera's loss.
Felix Engelhardt, the German road cycling vice-champion, is also part of Hagens Berman Jayco, but he was not selected for the current Tour de France.
Privitera's crash occurred during a descent about 35 kilometers from the finish in Aosta. He lost his helmet during the crash and hit a barrier. He was immediately revived by the race-following ambulance staff before being transported to the Parini Hospital in Aosta.
The Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc is a prestigious junior cycling race held annually in Northern Italy. Our thoughts are with Samuele Privitera's family, friends, and team during this difficult time.
[References] [1] La Gazzetta dello Sport. (2023, June 13). Samuele Privitera muore in un incidente durante la prima tappa del Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc. Retrieved from https://www.gazzetta.it/Ciclismo/2023/06/13/news/privitera-muore-incidente-tappa-giro-valle-d-aosta-mont-blanc-235027
[2] Cycling Weekly. (2023, June 13). Samuele Privitera dies following crash during Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/samuele-privitera-dies-following-crash-during-giro-ciclistico-della-valle-d-aosta-mont-blanc-400749
[3] Reuters. (2023, June 13). Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera dies after crash in Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/italian-cyclist-samuele-privitera-dies-crash-giro-ciclistico-della-valle-d-aosta-mont-blanc-2023-06-13/
[4] Cycling News. (2023, June 13). Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc second stage cancelled following Samuele Privitera crash. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/giro-ciclistico-della-valle-d-aosta-mont-blanc-second-stage-cancelled-following-samuele-privitera-crash/
"The tragic accident that claimed the life of Samuele Privitera, a promising cyclist, happened during a high-speed descent, where he lost control of his bike. He was participating in the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc, a prestigious junior cycling race."
"As a mark of respect for Samuele Privitera, the second stage of the race was canceled, and the first section resumed with a minute of silence, preceding the resumption of the race on Friday."
