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Michele Scarponi dies after being struck by van during training ride

The Astana rider had recently arrived home from a successful Tour of the Alps

Michele Scarponi
April 22, 2017
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Michele Scarponi
Michele Scarponi wins Stage 1 of the 2017 Tour of the Alps. Image: Stefano Sirotti

Early this morning, Michele Scarponi was on a training ride near his home in Filottrano, Italy, when he was struck by a van at an intersection. He was home with his wife and two children following the end of the Tour of the Alps, in which he won the first stage and finished fourth overall.

“We are in deep shock,” said Alexandr Vinokurov, Astana team director, in a release. “It is a huge sorrow for all of us, for family, friends and colleagues of Michele. Michele Scarponi was a great champion. This is a huge loss, no words to express my pain. On behalf of the entire Astana Team my condolences go out to the family and friends of Michele Scarponi.”

Scarponi’s palmares include the 2011 Giro d’Italia (after Alberto Contador’s result was stripped) and the 2009 Tirreno-Adriatico. He was schedule to compete in the Giro once again this May. He was 37 years old.

“We lost a great champion and a special guy,” the team said in a release, “always smiling in every situation. He was a real milestone and a landmark for everyone in the Astana Pro Team.”

Scarponi’s charm extended beyond the team. On Twitter, he’d entertain fans, famously posting video of his rides with a local Macaw called Frankie.