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The Nairobian

22-year-old cyclist dies after hitting concrete pillar

Sports

By Mirror | Oct 10, 2019

**Giovanni Iannelli has passed away aged 22 after a high-speed collision whilst cycling [Courtesy]**

An Italian cyclist has died aged 22 after crashing into a concrete pillar at 37mph on Saturday.

Giovanni Iannelli was competing in the Trofeo Bassa Valle Scrivia near Milan, Italy when he went headfirst into a pylon 100 metres from the finish.

The collision is said to have caused his helmet to crack open and one of the pedals on his bike to come off.

Emergency crews administered resuscitation at the scene before he was airlifted to a hospital in Alessandria.

Surgeons desperately tried to save him in an emergency operation to remove a haematoma on Sunday night, but could not wake Iannelli from an induced coma.

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The race was taking place in wet conditions, as racers sprinted towards the finish line in the small town of Molino dei Torti.

A collision occurred amongst the leading group, which led to the fatal accident involving Iannelli.

The Sun reports that he passed away surrounded by friends, family and his girlfriend Rebecca Magherini, after failing to regain consciousness.

An investigation has now been launched by the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI), who tweeted: "A tragedy that strikes us and leaves us stunned and speechless.

"The Federation's thoughts are with the family of Giovanni Iannelli."

Iannelli hailed from nearby Prato, and his father, Carlo, was vice-president for the regional committee for the FCI and involved in the organisation of local cycling races.

He had been a rider for the Hato Green Beer team, but had ambitions to join a big team on the World Tour, and finished 57th in the national under-23 championships.

Girlfriend Rebecca posted a poem on her Instagram page along with a picture of Iannelli, and his family have since agreed for his organs to be donated.