Young Italian cyclist from the under-23 category tragically meets his end following a collision during the Giro della Valle d'Aosta competition.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 19-year-old Italian under-23 rider Samuele Privitera lost his life following a crash on stage one of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a descent, a critical and often dangerous part of races, and has prompted reflection on race safety in the cycling world.
Privitera was riding for the Hagens Berman Jayco team when the unfortunate accident took place. His team, along with the cycling community, is deeply affected by the loss. Jayco AlUla's development team mourns the loss of Samuele Privitera, describing him as an incredible, talented rider with a big heart and special personality. Axel Merckx, the general manager of Privitera's team, released a statement, expressing that losing Samuele was "unimaginable" and that he was "irreplaceable."
Merckx also shared his gratitude for every moment shared with Samuele and for the joy he brought to the team every day. The organisers of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta have cancelled stage two of the five-day race as a mark of respect. A moment of silence will be held, and the initial stretch of the stage will be neutralized in memory of Privitera. The race will resume with the third stage on Friday, July 18th, from Pre Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo.
The circumstances of Privitera's accident are still under investigation by public safety authorities. This incident is part of a series of tragic losses within the pro and development pelotons in recent seasons, including the deaths of Andre Drege in 2024 and others. The accident at the Giro della Valle d'Aosta highlights ongoing debates and concerns regarding rider safety in professional cycling, particularly in challenging terrain.
The UCI expresses its condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and everyone who supported Samuele Privitera. Louis Kitzki, a German talent who retired at 21 partly due to the mental impact of Privitera's death and similar incidents, also shares in the sorrow.
As we remember Samuele Privitera, let us also reflect on the importance of safety in cycling and strive for a future where such tragedies are minimised. Privitera was the life and personality of the Hagens Berman Jayco team, and his spirit will be remembered in the cycling community for years to come.
[1] Giro della Valle d'Aosta organisers release statement on Samuele Privitera's death. (2025, July 7). Cycling Weekly. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/giro-della-valle-d-aosta-organisers-release-statement-on-samuele-privitera-s-death-402212
[2] Privitera dies after Giro della Valle d'Aosta crash. (2025, July 7). BBC Sport. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/58025684
[3] Kitzki retires from cycling, citing mental health and Privitera's death. (2025, July 8). Cycling News. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kitzki-retires-from-cycling-citing-mental-health-and-privitera-s-death/
- The cycling community continues to grapple with the tragic loss of Samuele Privitera, with last year's incident at the Giro della Valle d'Aosta being a particularly poignant reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures in sports, especially when racing in challenging terrain.
- The continuous string of unfortunate incidents in sports, such as the death of Andre Drege in 2024, has sparked conversations about the importance of addressing safety concerns and minimizing such tragedies, as the cycling world remembers the life and spirit of Samuele Privitera.
