The Italian cycling world is mourning the loss of a rising star, Samuele Privitera, who tragically died on Wednesday, 16 July, following a crash during the first stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, a prominent U23 cycling event.
Privitera, just 19 years old, was racing with the Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team when the fatal accident occurred in the municipality of Pontey. Born in Imperia on 4 October 2005 and raised in Soldano, Liguria, Privitera had shown great promise early in his career.
According to Società Ciclistica Valdostana, organisers of the race, the young rider received immediate on-site treatment and was rushed to Parini Hospital in Aosta, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Reports indicate that he may have hit a bump while descending, lost his helmet during the fall, and struck his head against a gate. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Privitera joined Hagens Berman Jayco in 2024 after riding for Team Fratelli Giorgi. He had recently earned acclaim with a third-place finish on Stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia Next Gen, signalling a bright future ahead.
In a heartfelt tribute, Axel Merckx, general manager of Hagens Berman Jayco, expressed his grief:
“Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team… His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light… He loved the bike, the camera, to smile, to laugh, but most of all, his family and teammates.”
As a mark of respect, the second stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, scheduled for 17 July, was cancelled. Organisers also announced the suspension of all race ceremonies until the event concludes. The third stage will begin with a moment of silence and a neutralised start in honour of Privitera.
His untimely passing leaves a deep void in the sport. Tributes continue to pour in from across the cycling community and beyond.
