Samuele Privitera died in a crash. © Instagram

Cycling talent (19) dead: Italy's sports world deeply shaken

Italy's sport has been rocked by tragic news. A 19-year-old cycling talent has died in a tragedy.

July 17, 2025

From: dpa/apa/sn

Cyclist Samuele Privitera was killed in a junior race in northern Italy. The 19-year-old crashed on Wednesday during the first stage of the 61st Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta – Mont Blanc and later died in the hospital. Racing team owner Axel Merckx, son of Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx, announced.

"It is with a heavy heart that I must deliver a message that no one in our community ever wanted to hear," the Hagens Berman Jayco racing team's website stated. Privitera was irreplaceable, and "losing him is indescribably devastating. Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team," Merckx continued.

Quick help, but no chance

According to Italian media reports, the teenager crashed during a descent about 35 kilometers from the finish in Aosta, presumably on an uneven road. At a speed of almost 70 km/h, Privitera reportedly lost his helmet and crashed into a barrier.

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A post shared by Hagens Berman Jayco (@hbaxeon)

According to the organizers, he was immediately resuscitated on site by the ambulance personnel following the race and then transported to the Parini Hospital in Aosta, where he subsequently died. According to media reports, he suffered severe head injuries and cardiac arrest. The circumstances of the accident are being investigated by the authorities.

Following the accident, organizers canceled the second stage scheduled for this Thursday. The race in northwest Italy is scheduled to continue on Friday. A minute's silence is planned beforehand; the first section of the stage will be neutralized in memory of Privitera. There will also be no official ceremonies. The teams can also decide whether to continue or end the race early.

Privitera from the junior team of the Tour team

The UCI, the world cycling governing body, also expressed its condolences. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who supported him. Samuele's loss is felt throughout the cycling community." Hagens Berman Jayco is the junior team of Jayco Alula, a World Tour team that is currently competing in the Tour de France.