The Italian cycling community is in mourning following the tragic death of 19-year-old rider Samuele Privitera, who passed away on Wednesday, 16 July, after an accident during the first stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, a U23 event.
Privitera, a member of the Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team, was born on 4 October 2005 in Imperia and hailed from Soldano, Liguria.
The fatal accident occurred in the municipality of Pontey, during the race. According to the Società Ciclistica Valdostana, he received immediate medical attention from the race medical team and was transported to Parini Hospital in Aosta, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Italian newswire ANSA reported that the rider, possibly thrown off by hitting a bump, fell on a descent. He lost his helmet and struck his head against a gate. The exact circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by public safety authorities.
Privitera had joined Hagens Berman Jayco in 2024, having previously ridden for Team Fratelli Giorgi. During his first season with the team, he notably finished third on the seventh stage of the Giro d’Italia Next Gen, marking him as one of Italy’s promising young talents.