A competitive cyclist died on Sunday morning during the 33rd edition of the Gran Fondo Bra Bra Fenix in Piedmont, northern Italy, casting a deep shadow over one of the country’s longest-running amateur cycling events.
The victim, 62 year-old Giuseppe Olivero from Piasco, fell during a descent and crashed into a guardrail near Bossolasco. Medical personnel present at the event responded immediately and performed extended resuscitation efforts, but were unable to save him.
In a statement released Sunday, the organisers acknowledged the tragedy: “The Bra Bra Fenix 2026 has been struck by a tragedy that no one would ever have wanted to witness or recount. Despite the prompt intervention of emergency services and the prolonged resuscitation efforts of medical staff on site, nothing could be done for the participant.” All celebratory and ancillary activities were immediately suspended as a mark of respect.
The death comes less than a month after two amateur cyclists — Fabrizio Fiori, 61, of Collegno, and Bruno Tribolo, 68, of Pinerolo — died from cardiac arrest during the closing kilometres of Gran Fondo Torino on Sunday 19 April, both collapsing within sight of the finish. The back-to-back tragedies raise renewed questions about medical preparedness and rider screening at Italian gran fondo events.
Approximately 2,500 riders started Gran Fondo Bra Bra Fenix across its two routes. The long course covers 142 km through the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of the Langhe, starting from the historic town of Pollenzo, with more than 2,600 metres of elevation gain.
Race results have been suspended while authorities complete their investigation. Gran Fondo Daily News extends its condolences to the rider’s family, friends and the wider cycling community.
Photo Credit: supplied
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