Last stage of the Tour of Austria cancelled after death of a rider

AUSTRIA (AFP) — The final stage of the Tour of Austria “will not be contested following the tragic death of Norwegian rider Andre Drege,” the race’s organizers announced on Sunday.

At the request of Drege’s family and his team Coop-Repsol, the day’s race was replaced by a condolence ride.

“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 Andre Drege,” said Tour Director Thomas Pupp in a statement on social media.

“The memorial ride was the express wish of Andre’s father, his teammates and his entire team. It gives the entire cycling family the opportunity to process what has happened and to honor Andre Drege’s memory.”

“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with Andres’ family, loved ones and his Coop-Repsol team during this incredibly difficult time.”

Drege died on Saturday as a result of injuries he sustained in a fall during a downhill ride on the penultimate stage of the Tour of Austria.

The 25-year-old rider had joined the leading group on one of Austria’s highest roads in the Grossglockner region on the fourth and penultimate stage of the race when he crashed, organizers said in a statement.

Last year, a 17-year-old Italian died during a downhill race at a regional junior race in Austria.

26-year-old Swiss rider Gino Maeder suffered a fatal fall during the Tour de Switzerland in June 2023.

The first half of this season was marked by serious crashes in the peloton.