An autopsy has revealed Italian U23 rider Simone Roganti (MG KVIS – COLORS OF PEACE) passed away suddenly due to an abnormal irregular heart beat, or heart attack, on 25 August at his home in Italy.

That night the up-and-coming cycling star collapsed, with his parents promptly calling for emergency services, but despite best efforts from medics the 21 year-old could not be revived and was pronounced deceased.

Roganti, who started racing at age 7, finished seventh at the Italian U23 Road Championship and second overall at Giro del Vento in June, results good enough to earned him a contract riding for the Dutch Unibet team in 2025.

Endurance athletes, like cyclists, can be at increased risk for heart arrhythmias, especially if they have undiagnosed heart conditions, according to medical professionals.

In just the past year five professional riders were forced to retire due to dangerous cardiac incidents: Wesley Kreder, Nathan van Hooydonck, Sep Vanmarcke, Niklas Eg and Anna Shackley.

“After my heart incident, I told myself I could return to the highest level and do races. But my doctor has informed me that the best, and wisest, solution is to stop,” said Kreder in a statement released by his Cofidis team. “I know the sacrifices you have to make and the physical shape necessary to compete at the highest level, and this is not compatible with what I experienced. The decision was not easy to make, but when I look at my children, my family, I know I’ve done what I had to do.”

Photo Credit: Photors.it

© 2019-2024 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily