24 year-old amateur Ecuadorian bike racer Kevin Pozo (TEAM ‘SIN FRONTERAS JN) died after being run over while training last Thursday in the Andean province of Imbabura, according to the Ecuadorian Cycling Federation (FEC).

“The FEC regrets the sensitive death of Kevin Pozo, cyclist of the Team ‘Sin Fronteras JN’ (Jhonatan Narváez). We express our deepest condolences and solidarity to his family and friends. Peace in his grave,” the FEC said in a press release.

Authorities believe Pozo was hit head-on by a van while the cyclist was on a training ride. Paramedics arrived quickly to give life-saving care and transported Pozo to hospital in Quito, where despite best efforts of physicians, he died.

The van driver allegedly responsible for crashing into Pozo was arrested by the Ecuadorian National Police, but hours later he was released by a judge during the preliminary hearing.

In his short cycling career, Pozo attained success in 2021 when he finished 12th in the Ecuadorian U23 National Road Championship and 8th in the Time Trial. He spent 2023 honing his race craft in Italy, before returning to Ecuador for the 2024 season.

Fellow Ecuadorian cyclist and Olympic Champion Richard Carapaz expressed his condolences on social media, “With deep pain and sorrow for the death of our colleague Kevin Pozo, who was run over on our roads while chasing his dreams by bicycle. I would like to express my deepest condolences to your family, colleagues and friends. Rest in peace, Kevin.”

Photo Credit: Team Sin Fronteras JN

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