Wouter Weylandt of Leopard Trek team dies after high-speed crash during Giro d’Italia – Cycling news
Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt of the Leopard Trek team died after a high-speed crash during the third stage of Giro d’Italia.
With 20 kilometres from the end of the third stage, Weylandt fell to the ground at high speed. He was bleeding heavily from his nose and head while doctors were seen cutting his helmet.
Weylandt was taken away to the hospital by the helicopter after 20 minutes but it was too late for him because he had already died. The exact circumstances were unknown, but after the stage, the RCS Sport director pronounced the 26-year-old Weylandt dead.
Giro doctor Giovanni Tredici said, “Weylandt was unconscious with the fracture, his condition was already compromised. After 40 minutes of cardiac massage we had to suspend the resuscitation because there was nothing more we could do.”
The Belgian won his first stage victory only in Giro in 2010 and Tuesday will mark the anniversary of his victory. The cyclist’s wife is expecting their child in September and is devastated with the death of her husband.
Weylandt’s Leopard Trek team said, “The team is left in a state of shock and sadness, and we send all our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Wouter, This is a difficult day for cycling and for our team.”
Previously, the 26-year-old Weylandt won the stage four of the Circuit Franco Belge and also won the first stage of the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen.
Angel Vicioso won the third stage as David Millar took the overall leader jersey. After the end of the race, RCS announced the tragic death of the cyclist and as a mark of respect, all the post-race ceremonies were cancelled.
After the accident, Weylandt’s body was covered by a sheet and was carried over by the ambulance.
British cyclist Mark Cavendish wrote on his Twitter page, “Things like this shouldn’t happen. Absolutely sick to the stomach, my thoughts are with his family. RIP Wouter Weylandt.”
Many cyclists have died due to crashes during the races in history. In 1995, Italian rider Fabio Casartelli died during a crash in the Tour de France. In addition, Orfeo Ponsin (1952), Juan Manuel Santisteban (1976), and Emilio Ravasio (1986) have died during
the race in Giro. Weylandt has become the fourth casualty of the event.
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