In a heartbreaking incident, the cycling community mourns the loss of young Italian cyclist, Jacopo Venzo, who tragically lost his life during a race in Austria. The 17-year-old athlete suffered a fatal crash while descending during the first stage of the Junioren Rundfahrt competition on Friday.
Swiftly airlifted to Linz hospital by helicopter, Jacopo fought bravely for his life, but succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, prompting the cancellation of the tour. The news was met with profound grief from his team, Campana Imballaggi Geo&Tex Trentino, who shared the devastating announcement: “With tears in our eyes and devastated hearts, we announce that our junior Jacopo Venzo has left us.”
Jacopo’s potential was undeniable, with David Lappartient, the president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), recognizing him as a rising talent with a promising future in competitive cycling. The tragedy unfolded during the descent from Mistelbacher Berg, as 140 racers participated in the first stage from Haid to Marchtrenk.
Regrettably, this marks the second fatality in just five weeks within the cycling community. Gino Mader, a professional Swiss cyclist, lost his life at the age of 26 during the Tour de Suisse, also due to a crash while descending.
Describing the circumstances surrounding Jacopo’s accident, his team revealed that he was “the victim of a very bad fall yesterday on the downhill.” They further added, “Jacopo was an extraordinary young man with a future all to write in sports and especially in life, and for that, it hurts even more. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected, and we thank everyone who will make us feel their support.”
The European Cycling Union (UEC) expressed its profound shock and sorrow, stating, “There are no words to describe this tragedy.”
This tragic incident occurred during the 48th edition of the three-stage race, which was scheduled to conclude on Sunday. The entire cycling community now stands united in grief, remembering Jacopo Venzo as a young talent gone too soon, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cycling tragedy
What happened to Jacopo Venzo during the race in Austria?
Jacopo Venzo, a 17-year-old Italian cyclist, tragically crashed during the first stage of the Junioren Rundfahrt race in Austria. He was descending when the accident occurred.
Did Jacopo Venzo survive the crash?
Unfortunately, Jacopo Venzo succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Saturday, following the crash during the race.
What team did Jacopo Venzo belong to?
Jacopo Venzo was a member of the Campana Imballaggi Geo&Tex Trentino cycling team.
Was the race canceled after the accident?
Yes, the race was canceled in the wake of the tragic incident involving Jacopo Venzo.
Who else has recently passed away in the cycling community due to a race crash?
Prior to Jacopo Venzo’s accident, professional Swiss cyclist Gino Mader also lost his life five weeks earlier during the Tour de Suisse, following a crash while descending.
How did Jacopo’s team describe him and his potential?
Jacopo’s team described him as an extraordinary young man with a bright future in sports and life, emphasizing the profound impact of his loss.
How did the president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) react to Jacopo’s passing?
David Lappartient, the president of UCI, expressed his grief and recognized Jacopo as a rising talent with many competitive years ahead of him.
What stage of the race did the crash occur?
The crash involving Jacopo Venzo happened during the first stage of the Junioren Rundfahrt race, while descending from Mistelbacher Berg from Haid to Marchtrenk.
How did the European Cycling Union (UEC) respond to the tragedy?
The UEC expressed its deep sorrow, stating that there were no words to adequately describe the magnitude of the tragedy.
More about Cycling tragedy
-
“Italian cyclist Jacopo Venzo dies after crash during junior race in Austria” (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jul/15/italian-cyclist-jacopo-venzo-dies-after-crash-during-junior-race-in-austria
-
“Italian cyclist Jacopo Venzo dies at 17 after race crash in Austria” (BBC Sport): https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/62187854
-
“Teen cyclist Jacopo Venzo dies after race crash in Austria” (Cycling News): https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/teen-cyclist-jacopo-venzo-dies-after-race-crash-in-austria/
-
“Italian rider Jacopo Venzo dies following crash during race in Austria” (Cycling Weekly): https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/italian-rider-jacopo-venzo-dies-following-crash-during-race-in-austria
-
“Gino Mader: Shock but no surprise as cycling looks for answers” (BBC Sport): https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/62146117
-
“Tom Pidcock – I love descending but Gino Mader death hit home” (BBC Sport): https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/62166536
