Andre’ Drege, Norwegian cyclist, has passed away at age 25. He died from severe injuries he suffered during a crash while competing in the Tour of Austria with his team Coop-Repsol.
Andre’s team posted on X:
“We are devastated by the tragic passing of André Drege
Our thoughts and prayers are with André’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
André’s family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, and we kindly ask that their wishes are respected.”
We are devastated by the tragic passing of André Drege🌹Our thoughts and prayers are with André’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. André’s family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, and we kindly ask that their wishes are respected. pic.twitter.com/qtD79ItOnI
— Team Coop – Repsol (@TeamCoopRepsol) July 6, 2024
Per the European Cycling Union (UEC), the cyclist crashed and died while riding down Grossglockner, an Austrian mountain. It has been reported that Drege lost control of his bike. He was on stage 4 of the race as they cycled the 151.7 kilometer tour from St. Johann Alpendorf to Kals.
It has not yet been announced, by race organizers, if Sunday’s part of the race will continue as previously planned.
Drege began cycling at age 14 by borrowing his father’s bike. Then, he decided to move from his hometown of Stranda Norway to Lillehammer to be able to learn from the best in cycling.
Recently, Drege achieved a lot of his best results. He won the general classifications at the Tour of Rhodes and South Aegean Tour. Also, he won a stage at Circuit des Ardennes. In total, he won seven races and was waiting for the call to move up to World Tour level.
Last year, a similar tragedy occurred when Swiss cyclist Gino Mader died at age 26. His crash happened during stage five on the Tour de Suisse.
Rest in Peace