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The 3rd stage of the 2011 Giro d’Italia has seen the passing of Leopard-Trek cyclist, Wouter Weylandts. The 26 year old died at the scene but was only declared dead upon arrival at Hospital. The details of the incident are yet to be clarified, but reports suggest that the Belgian was unable to avoid an accident after what is believed to be a mechanical issue with his bike ( unable to freewheel).
The event unfolded on the Passa del Bocco, between the villages of Reggio Emilia and Rapollo, Italy. As Weylandts descended the 19km mountain pass, reaching speeds in excess of 80km/h, it is believed “his left pedal locked” and he was unable to prevent the pedal from touching the tarmac as he rounded a bend. Some reports suggest he fell 20m off the edge of the road, but TV footage can’t confirm this.
Doctors arrived at the scene, with Woulter unconscious bleeding heavily – there was little they could do. Medical staff cut the Belgians helmet off and commenced CPR, which continued for several minutes. It is believed to have taken over 35 minutes before Paramedics arrived by helicopter, as they were unable to find a place to land the aircraft. Once on board, CPR continued and bleeding was slowed, but still Weylandts could not be revived. He was declared dead upon arrival.
Leopard Trek team Manager Brian Nygaard has expressed his deepest condolences to the Weylandts family, saying “the team is left in a state of shock and sadness and we send all our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Wouter.”
The tragic incident has left the cycling world in shock, and has raised questions on the declining consideration of rider safety, as stages become more dangerous and rider concerns are ignored. Although the dangers of the sport have been acknowledged by Event Organisers, it seems little has been done to minimise risks to the cyclists.
The Australian cycling community and cyclingtribe.com extend their heartfelt thoughts to the Weylandts family, and the Leopard-Trek cycling team.
PUBLISHED ON CYCLINGTRIBE.COM
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