Samuele Privitera, a 20-year-old cyclist from Imperia, is hospitalized in critical condition at the Umberto Parini Hospital in Aosta following a serious crash during the first stage of the Giro della Valle d’Aosta. The accident occurred in Pontey, mid-Aosta Valley, just 50 kilometers after the stage start and 32 kilometers before the finish in Aosta.
The rider, potentially thrown by a bump, fell while descending. He lost his protective helmet and struck his head violently against a gate. The impact caused severe head trauma and cardiac arrest. Privitera was resuscitated at the scene before being transported to Parini Hospital in Aosta, where he was intubated and admitted in critical condition. During the fall, Privitera also collided with a second cyclist, who fell and sustained a fractured collarbone.
“The ambulances following the race immediately intervened,” stated Race Director Filippo Borrione. “The doctor on-site instantly recognized the gravity of the situation and alerted emergency services (118) for resuscitation. The exact dynamics of the incident are still under investigation. We are deeply saddened by what happened; we believe we did everything possible to ensure athlete safety.”
Privitera, a young talent with the Hagens Berman Jayco team, was competing alongside 130 other young athletes in the first stage of the ‘Petit Tour’. This race is considered one of the toughest and most important Under-23 events, covering 500 kilometers (partly in France) and 12,000 meters of elevation gain. The rider from Soldano is in his second year with the team founded by Axel Merckx – son of cycling legend Eddy Merckx – which serves as a development squad for Jayco-Alula. He previously raced for Team F.lli Giorgi ASD.
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