tragedy struck what had so far been a successful opening to this year's giro d'italia today when leopard-trek's 26 year old belgian rider wouter weylandt crashed heavily on the very technical descent of the passo del bocco. he was unconscious at the scene and although paramedics worked to revive weylandt by using cardiac massage and adrenaline and atropine injections they were unable to save him. weylandt became the fourth rider to die during the giro's 94 editions along with orfeo ponsin (1952), juan manuel santisteban (1976) and emilio ravasio (1986). weylandt's death is made all the more tragic by the news that his girlfriend sophie is expecting the couple's first child in september.
i was watching the eurosport stream of the 173km 3rd stage between reggio emilia and rapallo when with only 35km to the finish the camera switched to shocking image of weylandt laying on the tarmac unconscious in a pool of blood. i can still picture the awful image in my mind as i recount this. thankfully the tv cameras showed some respect and discretion by turning back to the race footage and finale which incidentally was won by spain's angel vicioso arcos of androni giocattoli. vicioso would have rather chosen another day to take what is the biggest victory of his career.
days like today really bring home how dangerous the sport of cycling can be. for the professionals taking a tumble now and again is almost considered part of the job specification but the death of a rider is something that occurs surprisingly rarely considering the risks associated with descending at speeds that can sometimes reach as high as 110/120kph. it is not only the professionals that put themselves at risk though. i would never discourage anyone from taking up cycling but unfortunately sad events like today also remind amateur riders like myself and indeed all cyclists to take care every time we go out on the bike. i try to never take anything for granted when i am out on the roads and everyone whether on foot, bike or in a vehicle is a potential hazard. it sounds like a pessimistic way to ride but it is not. it is simply a good survival strategy and one that allows me to be able to continue enjoying my riding while being alert and aware at the same time.
weylandt's role with leopard-trek and previously quick step-davitamon was that of sprinter as well as humble domestique but when big opportunities presented themselves he took them including two major professional victories with stages in the vuelta a españa (2008) and giro d'italia (2010).
my deepest sympathies go to weylandt's family, friends and teammates on this very sad day. everyone else, please be careful out there.
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