By Joiner Martinez
06 Jul 2024, 16:24 PM EDT
Norwegian cyclist André Drege, a rider for the Coop-Repsol team, died this Saturday during the fourth stage of the Tour of Austria as a result of a serious fall during a descent.
“It is with great sadness and regret that we have to announce the death of André Drege as a result of the serious injuries he suffered following a fall on Saturday during the descent of the Grossglockner in the fourth stage of the Tour of Austria,” the organisers of the event announced on social media.
The queen stage of the Tour of #Austria on Saturday was overshadowed by a fatal accident involving Norwegian professional André Drege.
The 25-year-old fell on the descent from the #Großglockner to Heiligenblut and died from his injuries.#Cycling pic.twitter.com/OQSLgyR5Vq— Michael Barthel 🟧 🦕 (Fly Eagles Fly 🦅) (@RealMiBaWi) July 6, 2024
Drege, who turned 25 on May 4, had already won the Tour of the South Aegean and the Tour of Rhodes in March.
“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with André’s family and loved ones, as well as his team, Coop-Repsol, during this incredibly difficult time,” the organizers concluded in a statement.
“I have always been fascinated by cycling since I was very young. I have also had parents who were interested in cycling, but who never rode at a high level. When I was 14, I was able to try out my father’s road bike and since then I have spent many hours on the bike,” the rider described himself on his team’s website.
Team Coop-Repsol spoke out after the death of its rider and deeply regretted the event that has brought mourning to the entire international cycling world.
We are devastated by the tragic passing of André Drege🌹
Our thoughts and prayers are with André’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
André’s family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, and we kindly ask that their wishes are respected. pic.twitter.com/qtD79ItOnI
— Team Coop – Repsol (@TeamCoopRepsol) July 6, 2024
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of André Drege. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andre’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” he said.
“Andre’s family has requested privacy as they grieve his loss, and we respectfully ask that their wishes be honored,” he added.
The International Cycling Union also commented on Drege’s death and expressed its regret: “The UCI is saddened by the news of the passing of professional cyclist André Drege at the Tour of Austria. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
The UCI is devastated to learn of the death of professional cyclist André Drege at the Tour of Austria.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/2VwKsFgPKZ
— UCI (@UCI_cycling) July 6, 2024
Meanwhile, Movistar sent a heartfelt message: “Our thoughts are today with the entire Coop-Repsol team and with the loved ones of André Drege after the terrible tragedy at the Tour of Austria. A big hug from everyone present.”
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