.jpg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "Trump officials to announce bid to reopen Alcatraz as federal prison – UK Times")
An investigation has been opened into the death of teenage cyclist Samuele Privitera at the Giro della Valle d’Aosta on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old crashed 35 kilometres from the end of the first stage of the annual race, which takes place in the Aosta Valley region of Italy.
Italian website Tuttobiciweb reported that Privitera, who was part of the Hagens Berman Jayco team, is understood to have crashed while descending at around 43mph.
The Italian was reported to have suffered a severe head injury after hitting a gate in the fall, with the injury leading to a cardiac arrest. Privitera had reportedly lost his helmet before hitting the gate.
Despite being resuscitated at the scene and taken to Parini Hospital in Aosta, Privitera passed away on Wednesday evening.
Organsiers have confirmed and investigation has been launched into the circumstances around the crash.
Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera, pictured in March, has died following a crash at the age of 19
‘Società Ciclistica Valdostana is saddened by the passing of Samuele Privitera, the rider crashed today during the first stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta in the municipality of Pontey,’ a statement read.
‘Promptly assisted by the medical services following the race, he was taken to the Ospedale Parini in Aosta, where he sadly passed away. The circumstances of the accident are still unclear and are being investigated by public safety authorities.’
Race organisers confirmed the second stage of the race has been cancelled, with the event set to resume on Friday.
The stage will be preceded by a moment of silence for Privitera with the initial section of the race neutralised in his memory. Teams will be able to choose whether they continue in the race or withdraw following the tragedy.
Axel Merckx, the owner and team manager of Hagens Berman Jayco, paid tribute to Privitera and stated that his loss is ‘devastating beyond words’.
‘It is with a very heavy heart that I share news no one in our community ever wanted to hear. Our rider, our teammate, and our dear friend, Samuele Privitera, has passed away following the race at Giro Val d’Aosta,’ Merckx said.
‘Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team. This team has always been a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable. He was irreplaceable.
‘His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light to whatever room or race that he was in at that moment. To lose him is devastating beyond words.
‘Personally, I am struggling to express the sadness I feel but I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the joy he brought to our team every single day. He loved the bike, he loved the camera, he loved to smile, he loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family and his teammates.
‘Please keep Samuele’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead. On behalf of everyone at Hagens Berman Jayco, thank you for standing with us and honoring Samuele’s memory.
‘Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team.’
The International Cycling Union joined tributes for Privitera, writing ‘The UCI is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Under-23 cyclist Samuele Privitera.
‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who supported him. Samuele’s loss is felt across the cycling community.’
Sir Bradley Wiggins and Tadej Pogacar are among those to have offered their condolences following the tragedy.
