Tag: Leopard-Trek

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

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.”