Following the tragic death of André Drege on the fourth stage of the Tour of Austria, the organizers have announced that the last stage of the race will not take place. Instead, a condolence ride will take place.
André Drege, a Norwegian rider from the UCI-Conti team Coop-Repsol, crashed on the descent from the Grossglockner on the queen stage of the Tour of Austria. His death was announced by the race organizers after the stage finish.
“Together with the teams’ sporting directors and riders, we have decided not to ride today’s stage and instead to hold a neutralized condolence ride in memory of André Drege,” says Austria Tour Director Thomas Pupp.
“The memorial ride was the express wish of André’s father, his teammates and his entire team. It gives the entire cycling family the opportunity to process what has happened and to honor André Drege’s memory.”
“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with Andrés family,” he continued. “His loved ones and his Coop-Repsol team during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Tour de France will also pay tribute to Drege’s death on Sunday. The Norwegian team Uno-X Mobility will arrive at the start line five minutes before the start of the stage to pay their last respects to Drege.
Details about the accident itself and its immediate consequences are still scarce, the local police are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident. However, fellow racing driver and witness to the accident Jaka Primožič briefly shared his experiences in an Instagram story on Saturday evening.
“As the only witness, I cannot explain how devastated I am,” wrote Hrinkow’s Slovenian driver Advaric.
“Something like this should never happen. An accident that was no one’s fault. I would give anything to change something so that this doesn’t happen.”
Primožič continued: “My thoughts are with his team and family. Rest in peace, may cycling heaven be kind to you.”
Professional cyclists from all walks of life have paid tribute to Drege, including Tadej Pogačar, who currently wears the yellow jersey of the Tour de France.
“In the world of cycling, we have to look after each other and take care of each other,” said Pogačar.
The condolence ride, which will take place instead of the planned final stage of the Tour of Austria, follows a similar schedule to the race plan: Registration begins in Kufsten at 10.15 a.m. CET, followed by a minute’s silence before the official start at 1.30 p.m.
The entire Cyclingnews team would like to express its deepest condolences to André Drege’s family, friends and teammates.
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