Heartbreaking news on opening day of the Italian gran fondo cycling season, where Bergamo police report 18 year-old junior racer Francesco Mazzolen died after a car hit him while riding Sunday afternoon.

Francesco had just joined Team Goodshop Yoyogurt after two seasons with Travel & Service Cycling Team and was eagerly training for his first team race.

The team announced his death on Instagram, “It’s a very sad Sunday for us. Our Francesco Mazzoleni has left us far too soon. Hit by a car while training on the roads of his home region, doing what he loved most. We stand in painful silence with Francesco’s family. We will always carry with us your smile and your determination, which drove you to pursue your dream. You are and always will be one of us, Orange.”

According to L’Eco di Bergamo the incident occurred around 14:30 near the town of Barzana, when a Ford Focus driven by a 30 year-old hit Francesco, knocked him to the pavement and broke the bicycle in half.

Medics arriving shortly afterwards found Francesco with life-threatening injuries, but were unable to save him and he passed away at the scene due injuries sustained in the crash.

Bergamo Highway Police and the Carabinieri continue to investigate the incident, but report the car driver tested negative for alcohol.

Francesco’s hometown of Palazzago has declared Wednesday 18 February as a day of mourning for the young rider, with the entire community showing sympathy with his family’s grief.

Photo Credit: supplied

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