2022 L’Etape du Tour silver medalist Lais Saes was hit and killed in a hit-and-run crash on 30 May while on a training ride in Brazil, according to reports from CNN Brasil.

The 42 year-old Brazilian was out riding dirt roads with four other training partners when she was apparently run over violently by an unknown vehicle in Serra da Canastra National Park and died due to mortal injuries.

The vehicle driver allegedly fled without stopping to provide aid and police are still investigating the incident.

Based on a witness statement, who did not see the crash but stopped to render aid, Saes had several fractures, including arms and neck, in addition to internal bleeding and was administered manual CPR until paramedics arrived over an hour later. Unfortunately, she could not be revived and died at the scene of the crash.

Saes finished second at the famous L’Etape du Tour in 2022, where amateur cyclists competed on the same 166km route as Tour de France pros, starting in Briancon and finishing atop legendary Alpe d’Huez high in the French Alps.

On Instagram Saes’ mother Walkiria Mendes posted: ”She was a determined and strong woman who loved her bike races and training.She left us doing what she loved most, but sadly, she was hit by a car on a dirt road. Life is like that, a time to arrive, a time to leave, and those who stay behind are the ones who suffer. Rest in peace, my dear Lala.”

Photo Credit: L’Etape du Tour

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