Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt, 26, died in a crash during a downhill portion of the Giro d'Italia event, according to SteepHill.tv, a cycling site that was broadcasting the competition.
Weylandt's death marks the first time in 16 years a cyclist has died during a major event. Italian rider Fabio Casartelli died in the 1995 Tour de France. Three other cyclists have died during the Giro event since it began.
When he crash, Weylandt was going downhill, just about 12 miles from the finish, according to SteepHill.tv, during the third stage of the 21-stage, 107-mile event. Weylandt won the same stage in last year's race.
After Monday's crash, announcers said Weylandt was laying unconscious on the pavement. He was unresponsive on the course, even after a medical team cut his helmet to try to perform CPR, according to cycling site VeloNation.
The site said Weylandt was flown to a nearby hospital, but doctors couldn't do anything. The BBC reported dcotors tried for 40 minutes to revive him.
"Things like this shouldn't happen. Absolutely sick to the stomach," British cyclist Mark Cavendish wrote on Twitter, as he immediately reacted to the news. "My thoughts are with his family. RIP Wouter Weylandt."
Weylandt joined the Leopard Trek team earlier this year.
"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," according to a statement from his team published by VeloNation.
"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," it concluded.
"We lost a great team mate and a true friend today," the team 's Twitter page said. "Our thoughts are with Wouter's family and friends."
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Such a tragedy!!! I'm sickened by this loss. Deepest respect and condolences to the family. God bless each of you. You will be in my family's prayers.
My sympathy to the family of this young man. I'm so sorry.
The Giro is a difficult race. Sometimes the mountains can be treacherous. However, the area he crashed isn't a mountainous area, moderate at best. Then again, the riders are not on the autostrade and if you've ever driven in Italy you know how bad the roads actually re.
Westboro Baptist Church? Now there's some inbred religious nut jobs for sure.
The full story, accurately can be found at velonewsdotcom
this is one for the trolls (the pathetic ones that are proud of themselves – (and should be!!!!) – ): congratulations!!! really!! the day I accomplish something as impressive (other than hitting some keys in my momma's attic) as you have -one by one-, I'd be SO thankful if anybody would write an article about me. got it?
what's that? a window? look outside of it? why? you know why.
Wouter Weylandt Dead In Cycle Crash Full Video On
http://wouter-weylandt.notlong.com
Grammar Tim (me) is no the same as mean Tim (tights guy). I don't want to see cyclists get hurt.
You must be a member of the Westboro Baptist Church. SHAME ON YOU.
So, are you next....should be after that remark.
What? Who says this kind of stuff? I don't usually say this to people because it's harsh, but you're a horrible person.
You shoud be reported to the authorities because you sound unstable and frankly crazy! I hope you have no real responsibilities in life because it is people like you that this world can do without
An ankle bracelet, so you can know what it feels like if being ignorantly stupid like you were a crime.
Violet bracelets have been designated as the color of choice for idiot morons like youself. Get some class you leaking little D Bag.
GO AWAY TROLL...GO FAR AWAY