Tragic bicycling mishap in Italy leads to 19-year-old's demise
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the cycling community mourns the loss of Samuele Privitera, a 19-year-old Italian cyclist from Imperia, who tragically passed away following an accident during the first stage of the 61st Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc.
The incident occurred on a descent in the municipality of Pontey, approximately 35 kilometers from the finish line. Privitera, a rising star in the under-23 category, reportedly lost control of his bike due to a road irregularity, causing him to crash at near-70 km/h. In the accident, he hit a metal gate, resulting in severe head injuries that led to cardiac arrest.
Despite immediate medical assistance and being rushed to the Parini Hospital in Aosta, Privitera passed away on the evening of July 16, 2025. Another cyclist involved in the accident sustained a broken collarbone but survived. The circumstances of the crash are currently under investigation by public safety authorities.
Samuele Privitera was a member of the junior team of Hagens Berman Jayco, a World Tour team. His potential as a climber was evident in his strong performances in races like the Giro Next Gen 2024. His death has left a profound impact on the cycling community, with his team expressing deep sorrow and describing his loss as devastating.
In a show of respect, the race will resume on Friday with a minute of silence in memory of Privitera. The second stage, scheduled for Thursday, has been canceled. Organizers have decided that there will be no official ceremonies during the resumption of the race.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has expressed its condolences over Privitera's passing, with a picture of him being shared on the UCI's Twitter account, accompanied by a message of condolence. The UCI stated that Privitera's loss is felt throughout the cycling community.
Felix Engelhardt, the German road cycling vice-champion, is also part of the Hagens Berman Jayco team but was not selected for the Tour de France. The team's focus now turns to supporting each other and honouring Privitera's memory during the remaining stages of the race.
The cycling community continues to rally around Privitera's family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time, offering their deepest condolences and support. The sport will remember Privitera as a talented and promising young cyclist whose life was tragically cut short.
[1] La Gazzetta dello Sport, Privitera muore in incidente durante la prima tappa del Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta, July 16, 2025. [2] Cycling News, Samuele Privitera dies after crash during Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta, July 16, 2025. [3] Cycling Weekly, Samuele Privitera dies after crash during Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta, July 16, 2025. [4] UCI, UCI mourns the loss of Samuele Privitera, July 16, 2025.
The tragic accident that claimed the life of Samuele Privitera, a promising young cyclist, occurred during a sports event, the 61st Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta - Mont Blanc. The cycling community, including teams like Hagens Berman Jayco and organizations such as the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), are mourning his loss and honoring his memory.
