Cyclist Wouter Weylandt Dies During Giro d’Italia; Teammates Leaving Race After Tragedy

There’s little solace to be had in the wake of Wouter Weylandt’s death during Stage Three of the Giro d’Italia. In cycling, the risk of crashing is an unavoidable danger, according to Giro d’Italia leader David Millar. Talking about the descent and Weylandt’s crash with The Telegraph, he painted a grim picture of the sport’s hazards:

Weylandt is far from the first cyclist to die while racing, unfortunately. And it is only recently that cycling has mandated helmets during races; after the death of Andrei Kivilev in 2003, the International Cycling Union made wearing a helmet compulsory.

After the tragic death of Wouter Weylandt in a crash at the Giro d’Italia, the cycling world is receiving and reacting to the news with heavy hearts. British rider Mark Cavendish was among the first to tweet out his condolences:

Things like this shouldn’t happen. Absolutely sick to the stomach. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Wouter Weylandt.Lance Armstrong concurred, saying he was “shocked and saddened,” and adding, “May he rest in peace.”

Leopard Trek has released a statement on the passing of its rider, Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt, during Stage Three of the Giro d’Italia. Via Podium Cafe:

In addition, the Guardian and ABC News have further details on Weylandt’s fatal crash.