Wouter Weylandt (Sint-Denijs-Westrem, September 27, 1984 – Mezzanego, May 9, 2011)
It’s not often that a professional cyclist dies in a race. Statistically speaking, perhaps a miracle, given the cyclist’s vulnerability.
But the professionals ride on “protected” roads, have more than average experience with challenging conditions, and are often acrobats on their bikes; most cyclists—professionals and ordinary mortals alike—die under “ordinary, everyday circumstances”…
But don’t forget that many crashes, while not fatal, can mean the end of a career.
Like Beloki, who never recovered after his crash in the 2003 Tour—which, incidentally, is perhaps less well-known than the antics Armstrong had to perform to avoid crashing with him.
When I saw the first images of the crash site, I immediately said to Paula: “He’s dead.”
Terrible, barely 10 seconds of live footage, and I can’t get it out of my mind.
A little later, footage from the helicopter of the attempted resuscitation, the anxious anticipation of confirmation, still hoping, but alas…
The ceremonies were canceled during the race, and the confirmation of Wouter’s death came not long after.
I sympathized and cried with the Sporza commentators, who also saw that coming and were understandably completely out of it.
Wouter first was a member of UCI ProTeam Quick-Step–Davitamon and later of Leopard Trek.
His first major win was the 17th stage of the 2008 Vuelta a España.
He also won the 3rd stage of the 2010 Giro d’Italia and died during this year’s 3rd (!) stage of the 2011 Giro d’Italia.
What a terrible thing for his wife, his unborn child, his family, friends, and teammates.
Gian Mattia D’Alberto – LaPresse 10 05 2011 Livorno sport
Wouter Weylandt’s race number – 108 – has since been retired from use in the Giro d’Italia.
Race numbers rarely end in 0 but the Giro d’Italia have since allocated the number 100 to avoid using the number 108.
