Cycling - Death crash: Tour of Austria ends with a ride of condolence
The Austria-Cycle Race came to an end with an emotional commemorative ride following the fatal crash of RadPRO Andreas Drege. Before the symbolic start in Kufstein, a minute of silence was observed with team members of the Norwegian riding their bikes with Drege's start number in front, leading the way. The commemorative ride then began in the support vehicles, starting from Tulfes and leading to Innsbruck-Igls over a distance of ten kilometers.
Tour Director Thomas Pupp spoke to Drege's teammates and caretakers, tears flowing among them. "Our entire team is deeply affected by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Andreas' family, his loved ones, and his team Coop-Repsol during this incredibly difficult time," Pupp said. The commemorative ride was the expressed wish of Drege's father, his teammates, and the entire team.
Slovenian Primozic sought help
The 25-year-old Norwegian crashed on the Königsetappe of the Tour on the descent from the Großglockner on Saturday. He was found lying unconscious on the road, and revival efforts were unsuccessful. The police then took over the investigation. There were initially no new insights into the cause of the crash.
Slovenian Jaka Primozic from the Austrian team Hrinkow was one of the witnesses to the accident and was questioned by the police. "Andreas and I were driving at really high speeds, and there was also strong wind. He crashed without an apparent reason. I didn't see it exactly, it all happened so quickly," he said. "It was a really terrible crash at high speed. I immediately sought help and informed the police about the crash in the next turn."
Originally, the stage was supposed to end after 144 kilometers at Kuhtai at an altitude of 2021 meters. Due to the neutralized commemorative ride with an altered route, the overall victory of the Italian Diego Ulissi is now confirmed.
- Professional cyclist André Drege tragically lost his life during the Kaiser-Grenze-Tour in Austria, specifically on the Königsetappe descent from the Großglockner.
- The professional cycling community, including teams from Norway and Austria, participated in a commemorative ride in Kufstein, led by Drege's start number, in honor of the late André Drege.
- Police in Austria investigated the cause of Drege's fatal death plunge during the Tour of Austria, with Jaka Primozic from the Austrian team Hrinkow as one of the witnesses.
- Following Drege's death, the professional cycling community expressed their sympathies, with Tour Director Thomas Pupp expressing deep sorrow and extending support to Drege's family, loved ones, and team Coop-Repsol.
- The Austrian city of Innsbruck-Igls welcomed the conclusion of the Austria-Cycle Race, which ended with a commemorative ride in honor of professional cyclist André Drege, following his tragic death during the event.
