Giro d’Italia organiser postpones Maglia Rosa presentation after death of Davide Rebellin
Presentation indefinitely postponed by RCS after Rebellin’s sudden death


The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The organiser of the Giro d’Italia, RCS, has postponed the planned presentation of the 2023 Maglia Rosa on Wednesday evening after the death of Davide Rebellin.
Mauro Vegni, race director of the Giro, explained that in light of the tragic circumstances it was a necessary decision.
“I think it is a necessary decision,” Vegni said to La Gazetta dello Sport. “We cannot now celebrate on a day of mourning. The first guests have already trickled in, but it is impossible to continue this event. This touches us closely. Our thoughts go out to Davide and his family during this terrible time.”
Italian rider Davide Rebellin, who only just retired from professional racing, was tragically killed after being struck by a lorry yesterday morning in Montebello Vicentino, Italy.
The former winner of Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico was just 51-years-old.
Instead of presenting the new Maglia Rosa in Milan, race officials and guests present in Milan held a minute's silence in memory of Rebellin instead.
The former racer won a stage of his home Grand Tour in 1996. He also wore the hallowed pink jersey of the Giro d’Italia for six consecutive days that year.
“My thoughts are with Davide, a man who was active in cycling for many years and who has given us many joyful moments. I don't think there has ever been a rider who has been active for so long. But his age was part of his way of experiencing sports,” Vegni added.
Meanwhile, a host of current and former riders, sports directors, race organisers and journalists have paid tribute to Rebellin via social media.
Recently retired Alejandro Valverde offered his condolences to Rebellin’s family and friends.
Valverde said: “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davide Rebellin, a professional colleague and rival for so many years. D.E.P.”
Valverde raced against the Italian on multiple occasions throughout both of their careers. The Spaniard finished runner up to Rebellin at the 2007 edition of La Flèche Wallonne, a race he would then go on to win himself.
Rebellin was involved in the Beking Criterium in Monaco last weekend which was won by Belgian Philippe Gilbert.
Gilbert shared a similar tribute to Valverde on Twitter that said: “A few days ago we were doing our last pro race in Monaco and today you left to join the stars. I think very strongly of Françoise and your family. I am very sad we will miss you amico. RIP Davide Rebellin.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Tom is a News and Features Writer at Cycling Weekly, and previously worked in communications at Oxford Brookes University. He has reported from a wide range of races and events including the Tour de France and World Championships.
-
-
When is Black Friday 2023 and how to find the best bike deals
We're already seeking out the best money saving cycling deals in the run up to Black Friday
By Anna Marie Abram Published
-
CW Asks: What three things do you wish you'd known when you first started cycling?
What we wish we had known when we first started cycling.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
'We’ll do it, even screaming in agony' - The British amateurs riding the entire Giro d'Italia route
Group of British cyclists hoping to raise £50,000 for the Toy Appeal charity
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Best of Giro d'Italia rest day tweets: Warren Barguil gets a haircut and Mark Cavendish tests out his sprint
It's a day off for the 164 riders left in the Giro d'Italia, but that does not mean the content stops. Far from it.
By Adam Becket Published
-
CW Live: Remco Evenepoel wins Giro d'Italia stage nine time trial; Blow-by-blow updates from the Italian Grand Tour; Tour de Hongrie final stage neutralised
Join us for news headlines and live updates from the Giro d'Italia
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
CW Live: Remco Evenepoel wins opening Giro d'Italia time trial; Stage winner confusion at La Vuelta Femenina; Lance Armstrong is sent to Mars; British cycling legend Tony Doyle dies
All the latest cycling news, plus updates from stage one of the Giro d'Italia
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
CW LIVE: Primož Roglič confirmed for Giro d'Italia 2023; Track rider hits 2,271 watts; NCL announces first two teams; Van Aert to ride cyclo-cross Worlds; Sram and Oakley team up with Jumbo-Visma; Rwanda unveils pump track: Evenepoel eyes Pogačar showdown
Join us as we round up the day's cycling news
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
CW Live: Julian Alaphilippe to begin season with Faun-Ardèche Classic; Caleb Ewan confirmed for Milan-San Remo; autopsy confirms impact with truck killed Davide Rebellin; Remco Evenepoel to start 2023 at Vuelta a San Juan and UAE Tour dates confirmed
All the need to know news in cycling on 21 December
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
Driver who allegedly hit Davide Rebellin before fleeing the scene, located in Germany
After a manhunt for the driver, 62-year-old man located in Germany
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tributes to Davide Rebellin pour in from the global cycling community
Italian recently retired professional cyclist was killed yesterday morning after being struck by a truck
By Tom Thewlis Published