Italian Cyclist Samuele Privitera Dies aged 19 After Crash at Tour of Aosta Valley

Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera has died at the age of 19 following a crash during the opening stage of the Tour of the Aosta Valley-Mont Blanc, the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) confirmed on Thursday.

Privitera, who rode for the U.S.-based Hagens Berman Jayco development team, suffered the fatal accident on Wednesday during a descent in the town of Pontey, approximately 32 kilometres from the stage finish in Aosta, close to the French and Swiss borders in northwestern Italy.

“The exact dynamics of the incident remain unclear,” the FCI said in a statement. “It appears he struck a speed bump and lost control of his bike.”

Medical teams on the scene responded immediately, and Privitera was transported to Parini Hospital in Aosta. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.

In light of the tragedy, Thursday’s second stage of the race was cancelled. Organisers have announced the competition will continue on Friday with the third stage, from Pré-Saint-Didier to Col du Grand Saint Bernard. A moment of silence will be observed beforehand, and the early portion of the stage will be neutralised in tribute to Privitera.

Privitera was in his second season with the Hagens Berman Jayco team and was regarded as one of Italy’s promising young riders.

His death follows other recent tragedies in the sport. Norwegian rider André Drege died during last year’s Tour of Austria at age 25, and Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder lost his life at 26 following a crash at the 2023 Tour de Suisse.