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#SamuelePrivitera #GiroDellaValleDAosta #CyclingCommunity #RIPSamuele #HagensBermanJayco #AxelMerckx #CyclingTragedy #InMemoriam #RideInPeace #CyclingFamily #GiroValDAosta #CyclingNews #ForeverInOurHearts #CyclingHeroes #MomentOfSilence
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The cycling community is in mourning after the tragic death of 19-year-old Italian rider Samuele Privitera, who passed away following a crash during the opening stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta on Wednesday. Privitera, a member of the Hagens Berman Jayco team, was described as the “life and personality” of the squad by team owner Axel Merckx, who expressed his deep sorrow and struggle to process the loss.
The incident occurred on the 85.4-kilometer stage that started and finished in Aosta. Privitera was taken to the hospital but was later pronounced dead. The circumstances of the crash remain unclear and are under investigation by public safety authorities.
Merckx, in a heartfelt statement, highlighted Privitera’s infectious joy, kindness, and love for cycling, his teammates, and his family. He emphasized that the young rider was an irreplaceable part of the team and brought light to every room and race he entered. Merckx also asked for thoughts and prayers for Privitera’s family and friends during this difficult time, expressing gratitude for the moments shared with him and the joy he brought to the team.
In response to the tragedy, race organizers canceled the second stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, originally scheduled for Thursday, July 17th, in Passy. The race will resume with the third stage on Friday, July 18th, from Pré Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo. This stage will begin with a moment of silence, and the initial stretch will be neutralized in honor of Privitera. All formal ceremonies for the remainder of the event have been canceled, and teams have been given the freedom to decide whether to continue racing.
Samuele Privitera had previously been called up to the Jayco AlUla World Tour team alongside Irish rider Adam Rafferty for the Coppi e Bartali race in March. Rafferty, who finished 11th in the opening stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, was part of a breakaway that gained a significant lead on the main bunch.
The race also features several other Irish riders, including new U23 national champion Jamie Meehan (AVC Aix Provence Dole), Patrick Casey (Israel Premier Tech Academy), Liam O’Brien (Lidl – Trek Future Racing), and Killian O’Brien (Petrolike), all of whom were in the main peloton during the stage.
The cycling world has been united in grief over the loss of such a young and promising talent. Privitera’s death serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the sport, and his memory will undoubtedly be honored by teammates, rivals, and fans alike. As the community comes to terms with this devastating event, the focus remains on supporting Privitera’s family and honoring his legacy as a vibrant and beloved member of the cycling family.
