Belgian cyclist killed in crash during Giro d'Italia

[News_Editor]

Belgian cyclist killed in crash during Giro d'Italia

2011-05-10 02:05:09 GMT+7 (ICT)

GENOA, ITALY (BNO NEWS) -- Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt on Monday was killed in a fatal crash during the third stage of the Giro d'Italia near Genoa, the ANSA news agency reported.

Weylandt, 26, was riding at a high speed during the descent downhill and lay motionless on the roadside while medical assistance arrived. The accident took place about 20 kilometers (12.42 miles) from the finish line in Rapallo.

Giro d'Italia's official doctor, Giovanni Tredici, was the first in arrive as he was travelling in a car behind the group in which Weylandt was riding. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him for 40 minutes before he was airlifted to Lavagna hospital.

According to Tredici, the 26-year-old cyclist suffered a fracture at the base of the skull as well as serious facial injuries. Paramedics were able to resuscitate him once but he died due to the severe injuries sustained.

"It's a devastating tragedy for Wouter's family, friends, teammates and team. Our condolences go to all who knew Wouter," said Bjarne Riis, owner of Weylandt's Saxo Bank-SunGard team.

Weylandt was the first rider killed in a crash in one of cycling's main tours since Italian rider Fabio Casartelli died during the 1995 Tour de France. He is the fourth athlete to die during Italy's competition and first in the last 25 years.

"It's terrible news and I want to pass my condolences to Wouter's family, to all his friends," said Alberto Contador, one of the favorites to win this year's competition. "Whether each of us is in a different team, we are all in the same place and this is an extremely difficult day for the world of cycling."

Italian prosecutor, Francesco Brancaccio, said that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. In addition, an official investigation was launched into the accident.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-10