The cycling world is in mourning following the news that Wouter Weylandt has died following a crash on Monday’s stage (May 9) of the Giro d’Italia. He was 26. The Belgian cyclist was a rising star at Leopard-Trek, having moved to the team at the start of the season just 5 years after turning professional in 2005 with Quick Step.
With around 20km left to go on the third stage of the Giro (Reggio Emilia to Rapallo) Weylandt fell during a descent and lay motionless at the side of the road. Despite being attended by paramedics within moments of the accident his head injuries were so extensive that he was declared dead at the scene. Although the race continued – few riders were aware of the events unfolding – organisers later cancelled the day’s prize ceremony which would have featured stage winner Angel Vicioso and seen Britain’s David Millar taking the over all leader’s pink jersey.
Weylandt is the first cyclist to die in a crash at a major event since Fabio Casartelli at the Tour de France in 1995, but the fourth to die at the Giro which has previously claimed the lives of Orfeo Ponsin (1952), Juan Manuel Santisteban (1976) and Emilio Ravasio (1986).
A statement, accompanied by a smiling picture of Weylandt, on the Leopard-Trek website reads: “The team is left in a state of shock and sadness and we send all our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Wouter. This is a difficult day for cycling and for our team, and we should all seek support and strength in the people close to us.”
