The cycling world mourns the loss of two prominent figures: Norwegian rider André Drege and French legend Raphaël Geminiani. Drege, 25, tragically died on Saturday following a fall during the 4th stage of the Tour of Austria. The Coop Repsol team member was in a breakaway when he fell on a descent in the Grossglockner region, one of Austria's most famous alpine roads. The cause of the fall remains undetermined. His team and loved ones are now faced with the difficult decision of whether to proceed with the final stage of the race.
In a separate but equally somber event, former Tour de France rider and sports director Raphaël Geminiani passed away at the age of 99. Known as the 'Grand Fusil,' Geminiani was a central figure in cycling, both as a competitor and as a mentor to many of the sport's greatest legends. He won seven stages in the Tour de France and wore the Yellow Jersey for four days during his career from 1946 to 1960. As a sports director, he guided Jacques Anquetil to three Tour de France victories and Lucien Aimar to one.
The cycling community remembers Geminiani not only for his achievements but also for his indomitable spirit. Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme highlighted his contributions and recalled his sharpness even at the age of 98. Geminiani had hoped to become a 'century-old yellow jersey,' a dream cut short by his passing.
The mayor of Clermont, Olivier Bianchi, has proposed naming the grandstand of the Marcombes stadium after Geminiani, in honor of his triumph during the 9th stage of the 1951 Tour de France. Both Drege and Geminiani's deaths serve as poignant reminders of the risks and the rich history within the sport of cycling.
- Last year, a 17-year-old Italian cyclist died during a downhill run in a regional junior race in Austria, highlighting the risks associated with the sport. In the professional peloton, the most recent fatal accident before Drege's death was that of Swiss rider Gino Mäder, who fell during the Tour de Suisse in June last year.
- Raphaël Geminiani's career was marked by significant achievements and collaborations with cycling legends like Louison Bobet, Fausto Coppi, and Eddy Merckx. His influence extended beyond his own racing career, shaping the careers of many through his role as a sports director.
