Norwegian cyclist André Drege tragically passed away at the age of 25 after a crash during the Tour of Austria, as confirmed by his team Coop-Repsol. The incident occurred during the descent of the Grossglockner, a challenging Austrian mountain, on stage 4 of the race.
Expressing their condolences, Coop-Repsol posted on social media, requesting privacy for Drege's family during this difficult time. The European Cycling Union (UEC) also extended their sympathies to Drege's loved ones, acknowledging his untimely demise.
Drege, who had been showcasing promising talent in his cycling career, had recently achieved notable victories at the Tour of Rhodes and South Aegean Tour, along with a stage win at the Circuit des Ardennes. His dedication to the sport began at a young age, borrowing his father's road bike at 14 and later relocating to Lillehammer for optimal training conditions.
The cycling community mourned the loss of Drege, with various teams and organizations paying tribute to his memory. Team DSM-firmenich PostNL described it as a tragic day for cycling, emphasizing the premature loss of another young life in the sport. Intermarché-Wanty expressed their sorrow over the passing of Drege, highlighting his promising career trajectory.
Amidst the somber news, the UCI, cycling's governing body, expressed devastation over the loss of Drege. The Tour of Austria organizers have yet to announce any changes to the upcoming stages following the unfortunate incident.
André Drege's untimely death echoes a similar tragedy from just over a year ago when professional cyclist Gino Mäder lost his life in a crash during a stage of the Tour de Suisse. The cycling world is once again reminded of the inherent risks and challenges faced by athletes in this demanding sport.
