'Irreplaceable' cyclist Samuele Privitera, 19, dies after horrific crash during race

Promising young cyclist Samuele Privitera has sadly passed away after a crash at the first stage of the Giro Valle d'Aosta.

Privitera, 19, was rushed to hospital after the incident during a descent in Pontey, Italy, on Wednesday, but died following his injuries. He had been riding for the Hagens Berman Jayco team in the Under-23 race, and organisers have cancelled the second stage of the event scheduled for Thursday.

Privitera was known for his climbs, and came in 63rd place in the Under-23s tour of Italy.

Team owner Axel Merckx said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I share news no one in our community ever wanted to hear. Our rider, our teammate, and our dear friend, Samuele Privitera, has passed away following the race yesterday at Giro Val d’Aosta.

READ MORE: Mind games, sacrifice and 'big cojones' - what it takes to win Tour de France

READ MORE: Tour de France chaos as police arrest knife-wielding man during cycling showpiece

"Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team. This team has always been a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable. He was irreplaceable.

"His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light to whatever room or race that he was in at that moment. To lose him is devastating beyond words. Personally, I am struggling to express the sadness I feel but I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the joy he brought to our team every single day.

"He loved the bike, he loved the camera, he loved to smile, he loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family and his teammates.

"Please keep Samuele’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead. On behalf of everyone at Hagens Berman Jayco, thank you for standing with us and honoring Samuele’s memory. Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team."

Cycling stars Sir Bradley Wiggins and Tadej Pogacar reacted to the news on Instagram, with three-time Tour de France winner Pogacar writing: "Rest in peace."

UCI, one of Hagens Berman Jayco's rival teams, said: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who supported him. Samuele’s loss is felt across the cycling community."

Team Israel - Premier Tech added: "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to Samuele’s family and friends, the Hagens Berman Jayco team, and the Valle d’Aosta peloton after this devastating loss."

GreenEDGE Cycling said: "The entire organisation mourns the loss of such an incredible, talented rider, with a big heart and special personality."