The cycling world mourned the death of former Giro d’Italia champion Michele Scarponi after the Italian climber was reportedly hit by a truck in Italy earlier today.
Astana pro team
The 37-year-old Astana rider was out training when the accident occurred and is believed to have died on the scene near his home in Filottranoin.
In a statement, his Astana team said it was a tragedy too big to be written.
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) April 22, 2017
“This morning Michele went out on his bike for an early morning training and there the tragedy happened.
“We left a great champion and a special guy, always smiling in every situation. He was a real milestone and a landmark for everyone in the Astana Pro Team.
“The Astana Pro Team clings to the Michele family in this incredibly painful moment of sorrow and mourning.”
Scarponi was fourth overall in the Tour of Alps that finished yesterday in Trento, Italy, and drove home afterwards to spend the evening with his family.
The veteran would have led the team at next month’s Giro d’Italia after team leader Fabio Aru had to withdraw due to injury.
Scarponi is best remembered for being awarded the 2011 Giro after Alberto Contador was stripped of the title.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
