Rapallo, Italy…Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt perished in a high-speed crash during the third stage of the Giro d’Italia. This is a sad reminder of the dangers of the sport as we head into Amgen Tour time in California. Weylandt is the first rider to die in a major race since Italian rider Fabio Casartelli died during the 1995 Tour de France.

Weylandt, fell on a decent just over 12 miles from the finish. Race officials say his left pedal got stuck in a wall at the side of the road and caused him to fall.

Team Leopard manager Brian Nygaard issued a statement on their official website, saying: “Our teammate and friend Wouter Weylandt passed away after a crash on the third stage of the Giro d’Italia.

“The team is left in a state of shock and sadness and we send all our thoughts and deepest condolences to all the family and friends of Wouter,” Team Leopard manager Brian Nygaard said in a statement on the Leopard-Trek website. “This is a difficult day for cycling and for our team and we should all seek support and strength in the people close to us.”