Norwegian cyclist André Drege, aged 25, tragically lost his life following a crash at the Tour of Austria, his team Coop-Repsol announced on Saturday. The team expressed their condolences and asked for privacy for Drege's family during this difficult time.

The European Cycling Union (UEC) confirmed that Drege had died after a crash while descending the Grossglockner, a challenging Austrian mountain featured in stage 4 of this year's race. The stage covered a distance of 151.7 kilometers, from St. Johann Alpendorf to Kals.

The UEC extended their heartfelt condolences to Drege's family, friends, and teammates, adding, "Rest in peace, André."

Drege had been enjoying a successful season in his young cycling career, with notable victories including the general classifications at the Tour of Rhodes and South Aegean Tour. He had also triumphed in a stage at the Circuit des Ardennes.

The cycling community was deeply saddened by the news of Drege's passing, with several teams expressing their sympathies. Team DSM-firmenich PostNL lamented the loss, stating, "An awful day for cycling, another life gone too soon." Intermarché-Wanty also mourned the loss of their fellow colleague cyclist, acknowledging Drege's promising future. The UCI, cycling's governing body, expressed their devastation at the tragic news.

This tragic incident is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by professional cyclists. It comes just over a year after Gino Mäder, another young cyclist in his 20s, lost his life in a crash during a stage of the Tour de Suisse.

As the cycling community mourns the loss of André Drege, thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates who are left to grieve the untimely passing of a promising talent in the world of cycling.