The association of Italian racing cyclists (ACCPI) reports 19 year-old Italian cyclist Sara Piffer (MENDELSPECK) died Friday 24 January after being hit head-on by a car while training.

“Our thoughts go to the family of our member, Team Mendelspeck, to her companions in the group and to all those who today are torn apart by the pain of yet another life cut short by violence on the roads,” ACCPI posted on social media.

According to initial reports, Sara was cycling with her brother in the Trentino area Friday morning around 11:00 when a 70-year-old man driving a car in the opposite direction crossed over the center line while overtaking another vehicle and crashed into Sara head-on.

The crash left Sara crumpled on the ground unconscious, with her older brother Christian, also an elite racer, nearby with minor injuries.

Christian told Corriere del Trentino of the moments leading up to the crash, “We were going together and moments before she told me: ‘Now, after an hour of training I have to do a climb of two or three kilometers. Come on, let’s go up to Fai della Paganella. We were happy, we were going uphill and then it happened…”

Sara’s injuries were so severe emergency workers arriving at the crash immediately called for an air evacuation, while also working desperately to save her life. Despite best efforts and quick transport to hospital in Trentino, doctors could not save her, according to Il Messaggaro.

Last season Sara proudly raced 45 times in the colors of Team Mendelspeck, winning Giornata Rosa – GP Citta Di Corridonia in May and finishing 4th at the Italian National Time Trial Championships.

The Trentino prosecutor is investigating the tragedy and may charge the car driver with road murder.

Photo Credit: l’Adige, Team Mendelspeck

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