Tragedy strikes Tour of Austria as cyclist Andre Drege dies in crash
A tragedy occurred during the fourth stage of the Tour of Austria cycling race. Andre Drege, a 25-year-old rider from the Coop-Repsol team, fell while descending from the summit of Grossglockner to Heiligenblut and died on the spot. An eyewitness to the accident shared a traumatic account of the scene.
According to reports from Andre Drege's team and the organizers of the Tour of Austria, the 25-year-old was in a breakaway group, and several participants of the cycling race witnessed his fall. The man lost consciousness and emergency services promptly commenced resuscitation, which proved unsuccessful.
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, - the Coop-Repsol team representatives wrote on X.
Eyewitness recounted the cyclist's accident moment
Due to the circumstances, the organizers decided to cancel the race's final stage from Kufstein to Kuehtai. The cyclists honoured the wish of the late Norwegian’s family by riding approximately 10 kilometres, which evoked many emotions among the participants and fans of the race. Everything was recorded, and the video of crying cyclists was shared on social media.
According to a Norwegian media report, Drege's accident was caused by rear wheel problems. The only eyewitness to the tragedy was Slovenian cyclist Jaka Primozić, who narrated to the police what exactly happened at the moment of the 25-year-old's fall. “Drege soon fell afterward. At that time, the cyclists were travelling at a speed of about 100 km/h,” the Slovenian reportedly said, after which he posted on social media himself.
As the only witness, I can't explain how devastated I am. This should never happen. A crash which was nobody's fault. I would give everything to change something so that wouldn't have happened. My thoughts are with his team and family. Rest in peace, may the cycling heaven be nice to you. I can't say I knew you, but we shared the same passion, and I will continue so with carryign you in my heart forever - he wrote.
