Riders, journalists, fans and everyone connected with the world of cycling has been left in shock by the sudden death of for Giro d’Italia winner, Michele Scarponi.
The Italian, aged 37, was killed during a training ride near his home in Filottrano on Saturday morning, just five days after winning a stage at the Tour of the Alps.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Former teammates, fellow riders and many of those who knew Scarponi have paid tribute to “one of the nicest guys you could ever meet” and a rider who was “always with a smile”.
Scarponi was due to lead his Astana team at this year’s Giro d’Italia in the wake of Fabio Aru’s knee injury. He won the race overall in 2011 after the disqualification of Alberto Contador, as well as finishing fourth overall three times and taking three stage wins. Scarponi also won Tirreno-Adriatico and the Volta a Catalunya during his career, as well as helping Vincenzo Nibali to Tour de France victory in 2014.
Here are just a few of the many tributes paid to the late rider on Saturday after the announcement of his death.
Absolutely devastating to see the tragic news about @MicheleScarponi . One of the nicest guys you could ever meet. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/hJrx4hgdoE
— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) April 22, 2017
Today is a sad day. @MicheleScarponi will be missed dearly, not just as a rider but also as a great person… RIP
— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) April 22, 2017
It's too horrible to be true… what a tragedy!!! It's a big lost for cycling. A big hug to all family and friends.
RIP @MicheleScarponi :'( https://t.co/6OhO6vAY9F— Rui Costa (@RuiCostaCyclist) April 22, 2017
We will miss this guy in the peleton, always with a smile 🙏! RIP @MicheleScarponi https://t.co/KrJFx3MD63
— Greg Van Avermaet (@GregVanAvermaet) April 22, 2017
Tragedia infinita. Non esistono parole. Riposa in pace Amico mio.
— Fabio Aru (@FabioAru1) April 22, 2017
“Endless tragedy. There are no words. Rest in peace my friend.”
Incredible to realize this is only five days ago. May the cycling family stand by Michele's loved ones. pic.twitter.com/SRwCJKWDmw
— José Been (@TourDeJose) April 22, 2017
Hard to imagine a guy you were racing next to yesterday can be gone today. RIP Michele, and thoughts with his family, teammates, and friends
— Larry Warbasse (@larrywarbasse) April 22, 2017
Michele Scarponi posted this last night and died this morning. Unbelievable tragedy. Thoughts with his family. https://t.co/6j4aMnIIUg
— Richard Moore (@richardmoore73) April 22, 2017
Paralizado y sin palabras ante la noticia sobre el atropello a Scarponi,gran persona y siempre con una sonrisa contagiosa.D.E.P amigo.
— Alberto Contador (@albertocontador) April 22, 2017
Terrible news to wake up to. One of the smiliest happiest guys in the peloton. RIP
— Alex Dowsett (@alexdowsett) April 22, 2017
Sin palabras. Se marcha una gran persona y un gran ciclista. DEP Michele Scarponi.
— alejandro valverde (@alejanvalverde) April 22, 2017
“Without words. He leaves a great person and a great cyclist. RIP Michele Scarponi.”
Devastated to hear the news about Scarponi. Can't believe it. My thoughts with all his friends, family and team
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) April 22, 2017
Non lo so , non c'è la faccio ! Non ho parole amico mio…
— Vincenzo Nibali (@vincenzonibali) April 22, 2017
“I have no words my friend.”
A tragic accident took you away from us. You will always be in our hearts and on our roads. Ciao Michele pic.twitter.com/GU5SJHtSYr
— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) April 22, 2017
I am extremely saddened to hear about the tragic death of @MicheleScarponi. Our thoughts are with his family and friends #RIP pic.twitter.com/t3jfUAfGjA
— Brian Cookson OBE (@BrianCooksonUCI) April 22, 2017
