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

The European Cycling Union (UEC) revealed that Drege's fatal accident occurred while descending the Grossglockner, a challenging Austrian mountain featured in stage 4 of this year's race. The 151.7 kilometer route from St. Johann Alpendorf to Kals was marked by the climbers' ascent of this treacherous peak.

The UEC extended its deepest condolences to Drege's family, friends, and teammates, expressing their sorrow at the loss of the talented cyclist. Drege had been enjoying a successful cycling career, including impressive wins in the general classifications at the Tour of Rhodes and South Aegean Tour, as well as a stage victory at the Circuit des Ardennes.

The cycling community mourned the untimely passing of Drege, with several teams and organizations offering their tributes. Team DSM-firmenich PostNL expressed their grief, describing it as an "awful day for cycling" and emphasizing the young athlete's life cut short too soon. Intermarché-Wanty shared the heartbreaking news of their fellow colleague cyclist's passing, stating that Drege had a promising career ahead of him. The UCI, cycling's governing body, admitted they were devastated upon hearing the tragic news.

This sad event comes just over a year after another young professional cyclist, Gino Mäder, also lost his life in a crash during a stage of the Tour de Suisse. The cycling community is once again reminded of the risks these athletes face in their pursuit of their dreams.

André Drege's death has left a void in the cycling world, marking the end of a promising career and leaving his loved ones and teammates to grieve. His memory will be cherished as the cycling community rallies together to support one another during this difficult time.