Cycling teams have announced plans to wear black ribbons at their next races after the shocking death of 17-year-old Jan Riedmann, a German rider who died from head injuries after a collision with a car during a training ride.
Leading figures from professional team Bora-Hansgrove have spoken of their anguish after the teenager was hit by a car while traveling at high speed from Ullstadt towards Sugenheim, where the vehicle took right of way as Riedmann trained with his teammates.
The teenager is said to have crashed “almost unchecked” with the 58-year-old driver, suffering “severe” head injuries despite wearing a helmet, according to BR24.
A rescue helicopter immediately flew the member of the under-19s team to a university hospital in Wurzburg but doctors were unable to save him.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Jan Riedmann, a rider from our U19 squad, Team Auto Eder Bayern, after a tragic accident this weekend. Our sincere condolences to Jan’s family & friends.In honour of Jan, our riders will wear ribbons at Milan-San Remo. pic.twitter.com/cFQNOiXVyH
RIP Jan Riedmann – killed in a training accident at the age of 17An up-and-coming talent and future star for Getman #cyclingpic.twitter.com/wSG39lhQ0E
We are so sorry to read this news. Sending our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to all of Jan’s family, friends, and teammates.
“The entire team is in shock,” said Dr Christian Schrot, the Sports Director for Team Auto Eder Bayern. “It is difficult to understand this tragic accident.
“We deeply regret Jan’s loss and express our sincere condolences to his entire family and his relatives.”
David Lappartient, the president of world governing body the Union Cycliste Internationale, also paid tribute to Riedmann, adding: “He had such a bright future in cycling ahead of him.”
The high-school student had been targeting a professional contract by progressing from the junior team, having competed in Bavarian State Association races.
Sooooo very sorry. No words can bring peace to your family… but I and…. I believe everyone is sending lots of love and prayers… May the strength and love of you on a bike …. translate to a little peacefulness and heart to your loved one’s. Ride on buddy… ride on!
Very sad,he was just a kid.
Once again a talented rider is taken away from us way way too soon. My condolences to his family, friends and teammates.
“Jan, you were such a wonderful person,” a message from his team read. “Words seem inadequate to express the sadness that we feel at this time.
“You’ll always be one of us and your presence will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.”
The Eder and Bora teams will wear black ribbons in their next race near Milan-San Remo, containing a message thanking Riedmann and saying that he “will always be with us”.
“We lose a valued racing driver, team mate and friend with great sadness,” said Dr Schrot. “We will miss you endlessly.”
