logo
Samuele Privitera dead at 19: Promising cyclist dies in crash during race as tributes pour in for ‘incredible' rider

Samuele Privitera dead at 19: Promising cyclist dies in crash during race as tributes pour in for ‘incredible' rider

Scottish Sun17-07-2025
He was described as "irreplaceable" and "always a bright light"
'always a bright light' Samuele Privitera dead at 19: Promising cyclist dies in crash during race as tributes pour in for 'incredible' rider
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE world of cycling is in mourning following the death of promising rider, Samuele Privitera.
Privitera, 19, was killed in a crash during a descent in the first stage of the Giro Valle d'Aosta in Pontey, Italy, on Wednesday.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Samuele Privitera has been killed in a fatal bike crash
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
2
The 19-year-old has been described 'irreplacable' following his tragic loss
Credit: Getty
He was rushed to hospital following the accident, but sadly passed away there due to his injuries.
As a result of the devastating news, organisers have taken the decision to cancel the second stage of the event which had been scheduled for today.
Instead, racing will resume on Friday from Pre Saint Didier to Col du Gran San Bernardo, and will be preceded by a moment of silence.
The initial stretch of the stage will also be neutralised in memory of Privitera.
READ MORE IN CYCLING
DE TOUR Infamous abandoned F1 track that left icon blind used for different sport
The young star was riding for Hagens Berman Jayco in the Under-23 race.
In tribute, team owner and general manager, Axel Merckx released an emotional statement, calling him "irreplaceable" and "always a bright light".
The full statement on the team's social media page said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I share news no one in our community ever wanted to hear.
"Our rider, our team-mate, and our dear friend, Samuele Privitera, has passed away following the race yesterday at Giro Val d'Aosta.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe robbed of INEOS victory as race cancelled after most riders miss finish line
"Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team. This team has always been a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable.
"He was irreplaceable. His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light to whatever room or race that he was in at that moment. To lose him is devastating beyond words.
"Personally, I am struggling to express the sadness I feel but I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the joy he brought to our team every single day.
"He loved the bike, he loved the camera, he loved to smile, he loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family and his team-mates.
"Please keep Samuele's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead.
"On behalf of everyone at Hagens Berman Jayco, thank you for standing with us and honouring Samuele's memory. Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team."
Privitera was known as a good climber and finished 63rd in the last edition of the Tour of Italy for Under-23 riders.
Other cycling teams also penned heartfelt tributes to the teenager.
GreenEDGE Cycling said: "The entire organisation mourns the loss of such an incredible, talented rider, with a big heart and special personality."
UCI said: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who supported him. Samuele's loss is felt across the cycling community."
Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Samuele Privitera, 19 years old, while racing Giro Valle d'Aosta.
"Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz and the entire Intermarché-Wanty family stands by his team @HBAxeon and his loved ones."
Team Israel - Premier Tech added: "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to Samuele's family and friends, the Hagens Berman Jayco team, and the Valle d'Aosta peloton after this devastating loss."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Small boat migrant denies spitting at policeman in Westminster incident
Small boat migrant denies spitting at policeman in Westminster incident

Scottish Sun

time10 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Small boat migrant denies spitting at policeman in Westminster incident

When appearing in court, Ibrahim required a translator MIGRANT 'SPIT ATTACK' Small boat migrant denies spitting at policeman in Westminster incident Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MIGRANT who came to Britain in a small boat has denied spitting at a cop. Sudanese Kabashi Ibrahim, 22, was accused of assaulting a PC. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Two witnesses said they saw the incident on July 20, 2024, when Mr Ibrahim was approached by police officers in Westminster, central London. Mr Ibrahim had been living in a supported accommodation complex in Buckinghamshire, but is now homeless. The complex Ibrahim lived in is for 'those at risk of homelessness'. He spoke only to confirm his personal details and was helped by a Sudanese interpreter at Westminster magistrates' court. READ MORE ON MIGRANTS MIGRANT FURY Dad of girl 'assaulted by asylum seeker' speaks out after Epping protests He was granted unconditional bail until his trial on November 4 before City of London magistrates. Jack Ward, defending, said Ibrahim is an asylum seeker who came to the UK from Sudan on a small boat. Ibrahim appeared in court on Friday. The migrant, now of no fixed abode, denied common assault of an emergency worker. Migrants REFUSING to leave luxury taxpayer-funded hotels forcing Home Office crackdown

Kia Joorabchian removes several horses including ‘spectacular' £4.6million Frankel filly from Ralph Beckett yard
Kia Joorabchian removes several horses including ‘spectacular' £4.6million Frankel filly from Ralph Beckett yard

Scottish Sun

time10 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Kia Joorabchian removes several horses including ‘spectacular' £4.6million Frankel filly from Ralph Beckett yard

They're going to AMO's No1 trainer instead THEY'RE OFF Kia Joorabchian removes several horses including 'spectacular' £4.6million Frankel filly from Ralph Beckett yard Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KIA JOORABCHIAN has moved several horses away from Ralph Beckett — including the unraced £4.6million Frankel filly named Partying. The AMO Racing chief has shipped a number of his string from Kimpton Down Stables to Freemason Lodge where his new trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy has recently moved. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 New AMO Racing trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy has taken delivery of a number of former Ralph Beckett-trained horses, including a record-setting £4.6million Frankel filly Credit: PA It is the second high-profile move to take place in the sport in a few days after a number of horses, including serial Cheltenham winner Ginny's Destiny, left Paul Nicholls for arch rival Nicky Henderson. Joorabchian has left former Irish Oaks heroine You Got To Me with Beckett for now, but has moved on the majority of his horses previously with the Arc-winning handler. De Foy sent out his first runners since his switch to Freemason at Leicester on Wednesday and has also recently received Ghostwriter, who was with Clive Cox. The £2m purchase was red-hot favourite for the Princess Of Wales's Stakes at the Newmarket July meeting earlier this month. But had to be withdrawn after rearing over when being saddled ahead of the 1m4f Group 2 won by Charlie Appleby's El Cordobes. The Belgian trainer recently issued an update on the four-year-old colt, saying: "Everything is fine with Ghostwriter and hopefully he'll be back soon." But it is Partying who is real headline-grabber. She was the most expensive yearling sold in the northern hemisphere last year and is out of the Royal Ascot-winning Shamardal mare Aljazzi. Joorabchian's right-hand man Alex Elliott helped strike the decisive blow at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale last October. And he said at the time: "She's a Frankel filly with that kind of physique from that kind of family. "We've seen Ylang Ylang from the same farm on the same Shamardal cross – we just need history to repeat itself! "I keep saying to people horses will pay you back. "It was a good bit more than we thought we'd have to pay but when Kia and his partners decided that they wanted the filly, they wanted the filly. "She is a spectacular filly, it is a spectacular price, and there's a spectacular bunch of horses here. "I'd like to say I was a cool customer when all that was taking place, but that would be a fib – I have never been in that rarified atmosphere before." De Foy moved to the now-retired Sir Michael Stoute's former base recently after being appointed AMO No1. Speaking of his decision to take on the trainer, who he called a 'perfect fit', football superagent Joorabchian said: "Kevin is a fantastic horseman who understands our goals and shares our ambition. "Having known and worked with him for several years, it makes this transition even smoother. "We know his character fits and our ideas align perfectly. "We believe he's the right person to take the operation to the next level, and we're excited about what's ahead with him leading the team at this historic yard." While De Foy added: "I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking over at Freemason Lodge and training such an exciting string of horses for Amo Racing. "This is a major milestone in my career, and I'm incredibly grateful to Kia and the team for the opportunity. "Amo Racing's investment and ambition in the sport are truly inspiring, and I look forward to playing my part in what I hope will be a very successful journey together." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

Drug dealer son of iconic 1990s band's lead singer who was snared by cops after finding messages about his dad is jailed
Drug dealer son of iconic 1990s band's lead singer who was snared by cops after finding messages about his dad is jailed

Scottish Sun

time10 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Drug dealer son of iconic 1990s band's lead singer who was snared by cops after finding messages about his dad is jailed

The classic band had their first album debut at number one in the UK charts in 1991 DEALER CAGED Drug dealer son of iconic 1990s band's lead singer who was snared by cops after finding messages about his dad is jailed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE drug dealer son of an iconic '90s singer has been jailed after being identified in texts linked to his dad. Thomas Hooton, 30, was trusted to broker multi-million pound drug deals for organised criminals using an encrypted messaging service. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Thomas Hooton, 30, has been jailed for more than 10 years for his role in multi-million pound drug deals Credit: National Crime Agency 2 The criminal was identified after officers deciphered a number of clues which linked the drug dealer to his dad Peter Hooton - lead singer of The Farm Credit: Getty However, specialist officers were able to identify the criminal - who was using the name "Ownraptor" - by linking messages on the account to the identity of his dad Peter Hooton, 62, lead singer of The Farm. Today, the 30-year-old was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 10 years and eight months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to supply heroin, cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. Specialist investigators had managed to nick the drug dealer after piecing together a number of clues about his identity - including pictures of his musician dad with the Champions League trophy. On one occasion, an associate sent Hooton a picture of his dad Peter and also made comments linking the criminal to him. Hooton also spoke in messages about driving a Black Audi A3 and that his 'arl fella'' arranged his insurance for him. Official checks then showed Peter Hooton had insured a black Audi A3 for his son. After being arrested by officers from Merseyside's Organised Crime Partnership in April, Hooton later pleaded guilty to the supply of a number of drugs. All in all, he had been messaging criminals on the service EncroChat to deal drugs with a wholesale value of around £1.3 million. The drug dealer had 41 different names for contacts within EncroChat and had a County Lines drug supply to criminals across Scotland as well as north-east and southern England. 'HIS DRUG SUPPLY OPERATIONS SPANNED THE UK, WORKING WITH HIGH LEVEL CRIMINALS' A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency said: "At the very minimum, Hooton was involved in the supply of 42.5kg of cannabis, 3.25kg of heroin, 10 kg of cocaine and 1kg of ketamine. "His messages said he was in possession of around £400,000 and owed £258,000." His offences were committed between March 26 and June 4 in 2020. Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: "It's clear Hooton was involved in organised crime for a long time before he was charged. "His criminal and geographical reach will have taken considerable time to establish. "His drug supply operations were on an almost daily basis, they were sustained and spanned the UK working with high level criminals." EncroChat was infiltrated and taken down in 2020 by a European taskforce.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store