Aged 37, Italian cyclist Michele Scarponi has passed away, having hit by a van when training.
On Saturday, the cycling team Astana announced the sportsman’s death in a statement, telling that the tragedy is too big to express it with words.
In 2011, Michele Scarponi was Giro d’Italia victory, thus depriving Alberto Contador of the title. The previous week, Scarponi managed to win the opening stage of the Tour of the Alps, and was chosen to lead Astana at the 2017 Giro.
Two kids with a wife – that’s what he has left behind.
A tribute has been paid to “a special guy and great champion” by Astana.
As follows from the team statement Michele Scarponi passed away in the morning. When he was training on his bike, not far from his home in Filottrano, on a crossroad he was hit by a van.
They added that they will always remember their special guy and great champion smiling whatever happens. For the Astana Pro Team he will remain a real milestone forever.