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#SamuelePrivitera #GiroDellaValleDAosta #HagensBermanJayco #CyclingTragedy #RIPSamuele #ItalianRacer #RacingCommunity #AxelMerckx #CyclingFamily #U23Racing #CyclingSafety #RememberingSamuele #HeartbreakingNews #WorldTourDreams #CyclingLegacy
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Samuele Privitera, a 19-year-old Italian cyclist with the Hagens Berman Jayco development team, tragically died on Wednesday following a high-speed crash during the opening stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, a prestigious U23 race in Italy. The incident occurred during a fast descent, and Privitera reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest after the fall. Despite being resuscitated at the scene and rushed to a hospital in Aosta, he could not be saved.
Privitera had joined Hagens Berman Jayco at the start of 2024, showing promise in hilly races. His team, which serves as the development arm of the WorldTour-level Jayco-Alula squad, was devastated by the loss. Team manager Axel Merckx, a former professional cyclist and the son of legend Eddy Merckx, paid an emotional tribute to Privitera, describing him as the heart and soul of the team. Merckx highlighted Privitera’s joy, kindness, and love for cycling, as well as his close bond with his family and teammates.
Earlier this year, Privitera had expressed his ambitions to gain experience with the Italian national team and eventually progress to the WorldTour. His death is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in professional cycling and follows closely on the heels of another tragedy—the death of 18-year-old Muriel Furrer in a crash at the Zürich road worlds less than a year ago.
Race organizers have launched an investigation into the crash. According to local reports, Privitera lost his helmet during the fall and struck a gate or railing. The organizing committee of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta confirmed the investigation and announced that the second stage of the race on Thursday would be neutralized as a mark of respect. A moment of remembrance will be held before racing resumes on Friday.
The cycling community has been left in mourning by the loss of a young rider with immense potential. Privitera’s death underscores the need for continued efforts to improve safety in professional cycling, particularly in high-speed descents and other high-risk segments of races. His legacy will live on through the memories of his teammates, friends, and family, who remember him as a bright and spirited individual who brought joy to everyone around him.
