The 29th edition of Sportful Dolomiti gran fondo in Italy turned disastrous Sunday morning 16 June when an automobile driven by a 76 year-old woman hit three riders head-on, including former winner Stefano Cecchini.

According to numerous news outlets it happened on the first climb of Forcella Franche, when the elderly woman driving a Peugeot 202 ignored safety barriers and proceeded around them, telling race officials and volunteers, “I am late for mass.”

On a blind curve traveling the wrong way the car then plowed head-on into three riders, tragically knocking them to the ground, destroying their bikes and demolishing the Peugeot’s front end.

Hit were former Sportful Dolomiti winner Stefano Cecchini, a middle-age Irishman and a young Italian. All three were quickly treated by emergency workers and transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

From hospital Cecchini posted a picture and update on social media, “I have 30 stitches on my face, 2 less teeth, broken femur (tomorrow operation in Verona). Now I just want to hug my kids and my wife, my dad, my mom and my brother.”

Police are investigating the incident, but so far the elderly driver has not been charged with any crimes.

At 200km in length with almost 5000m of climbing, Sportful Dolomiti is considered one the hardest and most prestigious gran fondo races in Europe, attracting over 4000 participants annually. 24 year-old Giusseppe Orlando won this year’s edition in 6:06:43, with Giulia Portaluri, 38, winning the women’s race in 7:14:43.

Complete Sportful Dolomiti race results HERE.

Photo Credit: Stefano Cecchini

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