The final stage of the Tour of Austria has been cancelled and replaced with a memorial ride following the death of rider Andre Drege in a crash.
Drege, a 25-year-old Norwegian rider for the Coop-Repsol team, died of his injuries after a crash on the descent of the Grossglockner pass on Saturday.
Following discussions between race organisers, teams and Drege’s family, Sunday’s stage from Kufstein to Kuhtai has been cancelled.
Instead there will be a moment of silence in Kufstein before the peloton is transferred by road to Tulfes, midway through the planned route, to take part in a neutralised ride in Drege’s memory.
Tour of Austria director Thomas Pupp said: “together with the sporting directors and riders of the teams, we have decided not to ride today’s stage and instead to hold a neutralised condolence ride in memory of Andre Drege.
“The memorial ride was the express wish of Andre’s father, his team-mates and his entire team. It gives the entire cycling family the opportunity to come to terms with what happened and to honour Andre Drege’s memory.
“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers and with Andre’s family, his loved one and his team Coop-Repsol at this incredibly difficult time.”
There will also be a moment of silence before Sunday’s stage nine of the Tour de France in Troyes.
Drege is the latest pro rider to die in competition after Swiss cyclist Gino Mader last year at the Tour de Suisse.
Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt was killed in a crash on a descent at the Giro d’Italia in May 2011.
Another Belgian rider, Antoine Demoitie, died after crashing at the one-day Gent-Wevelgem race in March 2016.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/cycling/memorial-ride-to-farewell-cyclist-killed-in-race-crash-c-15273929
