Team Leopard Trek have announced their resignation from this year’s Giro d’Italia following the tragic accident that killed their team mate Wouter Weylandt on Monday May 9. Their team statement read simply: “The riders of Leopard Trek wish to communicate that they will leave the Giro d’Italia. This choice of the riders has the full support of the staff and management of Leopard Trek.”
The fourth stage – the last for Leopard Trek – was begun with Bersaglieri infantry soldiers sounding a bugle tribute as the peloton headed out before a deliberate slow-paced stage that saw many spectators holding placards with Weylandt’s 108 race number on. In the final few kilometres overall leader David Millar (Garmin-Cervélo) waved for Leopard Trek, who were wearing black armbands, to take the lead and cross the line first. As a mark of respect race director Angelo Zomegnan confirmed that the 216km stage would not count towards the Giro’s race results and in place of the usual award ceremony Leopard Trek took to the podium along with Millar and the other jersey holders in silent tribute.
A fund to help support Weylandt’s family has been set up via facebook and secure PayPal account at www.facebook.com
