CYCLING: The rider died during a training outing …
- Michele Scarponi was hit by a van during an outing in training …
- It was to be the leader of the Astana team on the Tour of Italy
- Scarponi won the Giro in 2011
Huge sadness in the world of cycling. The Italian rider Michele Scarponi , winner of the Tour of Italy in 2011, died Saturday morning after being hit by a truck during a training ride, announced the Italian sports media and his team Astana.
“Our rider Michele Scarponi died this morning while training on his bike near his home in Filottrano . Michele was hit by a van at a crossroads, “writes the cycling training in a statement.
This is a tragedy too big to be written. Here is the official press release of the Astana Pro Team https://t.co/TDNc6MkkD1 Ciao Michele.
— Astana Proteam (@AstanaTeam) 22 April 2017
Scarponi, aged 37, was in full preparation for the Giro d’Italia, which begins on the 5th May in Sardinia. After the package for injury Fabio Aru, he must be the leader of the Astana team on the test.
Quel choc ce matin d’apprendre la disparition de Michele Scarponi, mais sa gentillesse et son sourire resteront dans nos mémoires…
— Alexis Vuillermoz (@alexis39200) 22 April 2017
He won the Giro in 2011 after the decommissioning of the Spaniard Alberto Contador for doping. He also won the Tirreno-Adriatico in 2009. On Friday, he took 4th place overall in the Tour of the Alps, which he won Monday the first step. A tribute to him will obviously made the Tour of Italy. This is the least that can be done.