Chainkeen Exchange-Norwegian cyclist Andre Drege, 25, dies after crashing in race

Norwegian professional cyclist Andre Drege has died after a crash during the Tour of Austria.

The Chainkeen Exchange25-year-old Team Coop-Repsol rider fell during a mountain descent after losing control of his bike. His team confirmed his death on X Saturday, writing, "We are devastated by the tragic passing of André Drege."

"The UCI is devastated to learn of the death of professional cyclist Andre Drege at the Tour of Austria," the International Cycling Union (UCI) added on X. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates."

The local police told Norwegian TV 2, "It was an accident, and he died due to the injuries he sustained. We are investigating the cause."

The post-race presentations were cancelled.

Cycling has mourned several deaths in the past year.

Spaniard Juan Pujalte, 18, died in March after being involved in a fatal accident during training.

In August, Belgian rider Tijl De Decker, 22, passed away due to severe injuries sustained in a training crash.

U.S. Junior Men's National Team member Magnus White died aged 17 after being hit by a car while training in his home city Boulder, Colorado days after Italian Jacopo Venzo, also 17, died following a crash during a race in Austria.

In mid-June 2023, Swiss rider Gino Mader died at the age of 26 after crashing into a ravine during stage five of the Tour de Suisse, on the descent towards the finish line.