Nicholas Roche has paid tribute to Davide Rebellin days after the 51-year-old passed away in a tragic accident.
The Italian cyclist died after being struck by a truck while on his bike on Wednesday November 30th. According to local Italian newspaper Il Gazzettino, Rebellin died instantly at the scene.
Rebellin won a string of high profile races in his career including the Amstel Gold Race, La Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege in 2004. Four years later, he won silver at the 2008 Olympics, but he had his medal stripped after failing a doping test.
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Rebellin was a longtime close friend of Irish cyclist Nicholas Roche. Shortly after Rebellin's death was announced, Roche took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend.
"Tragic accident today! Only a few days ago we were celebrating his retirement in here in Monaco. #rip Davide," Roche said on Twitter.
Rebellin began his professional career in 1992 and planned to retire at the end of this season after spending 30 years in the sport. Tributes have poured in from the cycling world since his death on Wednesday.
the Movistar Team tweeted: "Dismayed by the death of Davide Rebellin, a simple and enormously sympathetic man with whom we shared so many duels and podiums during his very long career. A big hug to all your loved ones. Rest in peace."
While Cyclist Alejandro Valverde said, "My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davide Rebellin, a professional colleague and rival for so many years."
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