Professional cyclist André Drege has a fatal crash during the Tour of Austria
In the past year, the cycling world was shocked by the fatal fall of Gino Maeder during the Tour de Suisse, now it's the Austria-Rundfahrt's turn. Andre Drege came crashing down on the descent of the Großglockner. Help came too late for the 25-year-old.
The Königsetappe of the Austria-Rundfahrt was overshadowed by a fatal accident. Norwegian cycling professional Andre Drege reportedly came off his bike on the descent of the Großglockner and died from his injuries. Several Austrian media outlets report this, citing the race organizer. It is still unclear how the accident occurred. Drege was apparently part of a breakaway group.
The penultimate stage, which was won by two-time time trial world champion Filippo Ganna over 151.7 kilometers from St. Johann to Kals in East Tyrol, was not awarded a victory ceremony after the news of the death. It is also unclear whether the 143.8-kilometer long final stage on Sunday from Kufstein to the Kühtai will still be held.
Drege rode for the Norwegian Continental Team Coop-Repsol. The 25-year-old had already achieved some smaller successes this year, such as the overall win at the Tour of Rhodos and the South Aegean Tour. At the Austria-Rundfahrt, he was in 38th place in the general standings before his fall.
Last year, the cycling world was shaken by the death of Swiss rider Gino Maeder at the Tour de Suisse, leading to a safety debate in the sport. In the spring, there was a serious mass crash at the Baskenland-Rundfahrt involving Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard, world champion Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic. The Tour de France has so far escaped major crashes this year.
Better wheels and higher average speeds contribute to more crashes. Added to that is the ambition of the pros. "It's this win-at-all-costs mentality," German veteran Simon Geschke said in the spring. Nils Politt also warned of the increasingly aggressive riding style in the peloton at the time. "In general, the stress level is much higher. The races are getting faster and starting earlier," said the 30-year-old.
The tragic incident at the Austria-Rundfahrt has once again brought the danger in cycling to the forefront. Despite the faster speeds and increased competition, Andre Drege's accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in this high-stakes sport.
