André Drege dies age 25 following crash at Tour of Austria
André Drege, a professional cyclist racing for Team Coop-Repsol, died at the age of 25 due to injuries sustained in a crash at the Tour of Austria on Saturday.
The organisers of the Tour of Austria officially announced Drege's death on Saturday, July 6, following stage 4 of the event.
Drege fell on a descent of the Großglockner and suffered fatal injuries, according to the organisers of the Tour of Austria.
The queen stage 4 at the Tour of Austria was 151.7km from St. Johann Alpendorf to Kals. It included mid-race climbs over Fuscher Törl and Hochtor, which peaked at 66km into the stage and then climbs Iselsberg and Kals am Großglockner.
There was limited news about Drege's injuries during the stage; however, the podium ceremony was cancelled.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of André Drege," said the organisers of the Tour of Austria.
"On Saturday 6th July, following a very serious crash during the descent of the Großglockner at stage 4 of the Tour of Austria, André crashed and sustained severe injuries.
"Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with André's family and loved ones and his team Coop-Repsol during this incredibly difficult time."
Ineos Grenadiers' Filippo Ganna won stage 4, while Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) leads the general classification.
Event organiser have not yet announced whether the final stage of the Tour of Austria will take place on Sunday.
The cycling community has paid touching tributes to André Drege in the hours following the tragic announcement of his death.
Everyone at Cyclingnews would like to extend their deepest condolences to André Drege's family, friends and teammates.
5 июл 2024