The rider's tribute ride to a colleague and friend: Giro d'Italia Stage 4

[Benotti69]

I certainly think that sometimes, the best tributes are the simple ones. Today struck just the right tone (RAI cutting to the slow-motion of his stage win last year and then the fade to black was a nice touch).

The Giro has always had a number of special separate trophies, and the Tour has had a few in its time too; I think it may be a nice idea to have the third stage each year give out its own individual prize called the Wouter Weylandt Trophy or something similar, similar to how the Clasica Amarante has been renamed the Memorial Bruno Neves after his death.

I don't know about retiring numbers. I hoped for Farrar to get to ride with Leopard at the end. I hoped for the fans to turn up in their droves despite the fact they knew they would see no racing. I hoped that the broadcast wasn't cancelled so that we may all see the neutralised procession, which I felt could say far more than a race ever could. I hoped that we'd see Weylandt's 2010 stage win. It was handled brilliantly and sensitively by all. The only thing that I had hoped would happen today that didn't was that I hoped for every single rider to wear race number 108 - though that may not have been practical or doable. The fans more than made up for that.

That was a hope of mine too, but probably not doable with such short notice or no one in the chaos of yesterday thought of it.

 

[Aguirre]

I think today we all feel very proud of loving this sport. We are not only a family, we are a world wide community.

We love this sport, cycling, which is unique. We love it despite the crap of doping. We love it because cycling is different of any other sport. It's beautiful, it's epic, heroic, historical and modern at the same time.

RIP Wouter, we will always miss you

 

[hrotha]

haven't mentioned it to the fiancee as she's half a world away, but must admit to struggling a little with this one, and not sure why exactly.
I've felt far more emotional than I have towards any other death I've experienced for some time - and I didn't even know Wouter.
Has been nice to come online several times over the past two days to just quietly be amongst others in the same boat.

It's kind of weird, isn't it. Objectively speaking, I don't know why I care so much. I didn't know him, I wasn't even a fan of him (I mean, I was neutral), and yet I was so touched by all of this and moved to tears several times (most notably today, watching the stage finish). I didn't even see the crash. When a football player dies, I'm largely indifferent, even though I know who they are. I suppose since the top level of the peloton is relatively small and cycling fans often get to know most top riders (their appearance, their age, their career history, their characteristics as a rider, their wins), in evolutionary terms we're wired to recognize them as being close to us or something.

Whatever the reason, it's been two very emotional days. I'll never forget this.

 

[Benotti69]

http://twitter.com/#!/leopardtrek

We have decided to leave the Giro d'Italia: http://on.fb.me/iRdM96
5 minutes ago

http://www.facebook.com/notes/leopard-trek/leopard-trek-will-leave-giro-ditalia/161538327244198

The riders of LEOPARD TREK wish to communicate that they will leave the Giro d’Italia as of tonight, following the tragic accident of their teammate and friend Wouter Weylandt.

This choice of the riders has the full support of the staff and management of LEOPARD TREK. General Manager Brian Nygaard: “The decision needed to be taken by the riders, because they are the ones that participate in the race. We have always said that we would stand behind their choice.”

“We wish to thank the other teams, the race organisation RCS, the Italian authorities and all the fans on the road between Genova and Livorno on today’s stage, as the peloton paid tribute to Wouter Weylandt.”

Team Captain Fabian Wegmann explains the rider’s decision. “We have a lot of respect for the Giro d’Italia and for cycling, but we simply cannot continue racing given the circumstances. We are professional athletes, but we feel this is the right thing to do.”

 

[Libertine Seguros]

It's kind of weird, isn't it. Objectively speaking, I don't know why I care so much. I didn't know him, I wasn't even a fan of him (I mean, I was neutral), and yet I was so touched by all of this and moved to tears several times (most notably today, watching the stage finish). I didn't even see the crash. When a football player dies, I'm largely indifferent, even though I know who they are. I suppose since the top level of the peloton is relatively small and cycling fans often get to know most top riders (their appearance, their age, their career history, their characteristics as a rider, their wins), in evolutionary terms we're wired to recognize them as being close to us or something.

Whatever the reason, it's been two very emotional days. I'll never forget this.

I haven't been affected so much by a sports report since Imola '94, and I was just a child then. The thing is, with a footballer, or any similar sport, then unless that player is on your team or a fierce rival team, then they seem quite distant; their fortunes aren't directly tied in to your fandom for most of the season. Cycling isn't really like that. 10, 15, 20, 25 teams are participating at a time, and for days at a time. We tune in daily and see the cast of thousands. And because they travel as a pack, there is much more camaraderie and closer relationships between the participants. And we, as fans, tune in and watch it all unfold. And so when something like this happens, the whole péloton knew Wouter, whether it be as a close friend like Farrar, as a companion and roommate like Wegmann, or just tangentially like Johan Bruyneel, they will all have seen him, spoken to him, known him.

And, like Imola all that time ago, we see accidents and crashes a lot, it's just part and parcel of the sport, and people have come back from some hideous crashes. You see people get up from these so often that you somehow don't quite believe that, someday, somebody won't ever get up. And then it happens.

 

[will10]

It's kind of weird, isn't it. Objectively speaking, I don't know why I care so much. I didn't know him, I wasn't even a fan of him (I mean, I was neutral), and yet I was so touched by all of this and moved to tears several times (most notably today, watching the stage finish). I didn't even see the crash. When a football player dies, I'm largely indifferent, even though I know who they are. I suppose since the top level of the peloton is relatively small and cycling fans often get to know most top riders (their appearance, their age, their career history, their characteristics as a rider, their wins), in evolutionary terms we're wired to recognize them as being close to us or something.

Whatever the reason, it's been two very emotional days. I'll never forget this.

I can relate to everything you've written here - I feel much the same. Can't remember the last time something on TV pulled me in so much, and make me feel so emotionally attached to what I was watching.

As others have said - today was perfectly handled, completely appropriate from A to Z. The number of fans on the roadside - especially on the climb at 15km to the finish - was humbling. They knew there was no racing today - but they came in droves anyway.

To repeat what you've said - an unforgettable day.

 

[RedheadDane]

This photo is absolutely heartbreaking! But in a way also heartwarming since it shows how everybody in the peloton is willing to lend a shoulder to those who might need it.

 

[The Hitch]

Recorded then watched the whole thing.

Moving stuff.

With regard to the numbers, a lot of the people on the road had 108 in their hands so if people can get hold of them Im sure the organisers could have made enough to have the whole peloton wear 108.

 

[55by11]

What a very touching and memorable tribute to Wouter today. His untimely and shocking death was tragic and it has affected me more than I expected, however there is a positive aspect to consider.

If your "number is up" and you are destined to be plucked from the land of the living, much better to die as Wouter did, doing what you love, in a blaze of glory, in a Grand Tour, surrounded by friends and team mates and with the world's media in attendance.

If he had been, say, knocked down by a local bus in his hometown, the pain and grief for those closest to him would have been just as intense, but without the comfort and support of an emotional memorial day such as took place today.

R.I.P Wouter

 

[RedheadDane]

This!

Also the fact that he died instantly. Those pictures RAI, unfortunately, broadcasted would've been even worse if they had shown him on the asphalt, wringing in pain.

 

[jsem94]

This!

Also the fact that he died instantly. Those pictures RAI, unfortunately, broadcasted would've been even worse if they had shown him on the asphalt, wringing in pain.

That would've been absolutely horrible.

 

[Archibald]

When you see it happening live on TV it has a bigger impact.

just about to watch the eurosport roundup now...

I'm terrible at dealing with death

I'm not normally. Have coped with it all my life on dozens of occasions.
That said, I'm wondering whether a discussion on people's perceptions/points of view/coping methods/etc... may be worthwhile in the Cafe?

 

[ferryman]

It's kind of weird, isn't it. Objectively speaking, I don't know why I care so much. I didn't know him, I wasn't even a fan of him (I mean, I was neutral), and yet I was so touched by all of this and moved to tears several times (most notably today, watching the stage finish). I didn't even see the crash. When a football player dies, I'm largely indifferent, even though I know who they are. I suppose since the top level of the peloton is relatively small and cycling fans often get to know most top riders (their appearance, their age, their career history, their characteristics as a rider, their wins), in evolutionary terms we're wired to recognize them as being close to us or something.

Whatever the reason, it's been two very emotional days. I'll never forget this.

This I think. We all probably spend so much time reading up on and keeping up to date with who is who in the peloton and what their aspirations are that a loss like this is going to hit hard. I'm watching the final 5K right now of today's stage on a Eurosport rerun and it is very moving. Also big respect to the Tifosi. Fantastic display.

 

[D Avoid]

I asked for and got a silent uncontested first lap at Hillingdon race track in West London in the E123 race tonight, it was a very moving experience.We just slowly rolled around and then we raced like fury.

 

[goonermatt]

serial lurker, very, very occaional poster.

Just watched the eurosport 'highlights'. I expected to well up a little; as it was I cried like a baby. As I only got into the sport within the last decade, this is the first real occasion like this that I have experienced.

All I can say is that it made me realise that cycling it different to almost all other sport in respect to moments like this. A minutes silence at the start of a game of football seems almost laughable in comparison. It goes to show that no matter what we all argue about with regard to sprinting rules, race radio and clinic related issues, we are all people that love, and I mean really love, to ride bikes and more than that, enjoy spending time with people who love riding bikes.

R.I.P Wouter

 

[will10]

I asked for and got a silent uncontested first lap at Hillingdon race track in West London in the E123 race tonight, it was a very moving experience.We just slowly rolled around and then we raced like fury.

Same situation at Mallory Park - 2 neutralised laps before the race proper.

 

[Lyds97]

if not appropriate can a mod please delete:

I thought people might like to know the autopsy report showed;

"Wouter Weylandt 'died instantly and did not suffer.The coroner Armando Mannucci said after autopsy on the body of Belgian cyclist who died yesterday at the third stage of the Tour of Italy in Rapallo. According to the medicolegal investigation, the lesions found on the corpse are compatible with the reconstruction the accident taken by traffic police.

According to the doctor, fatal to the rider and Belgian Wouter Weylandt 'was the projection of the body on the asphalt, which resulted in a cranial trauma face death, with injuries to the skull base, deep visceral lesions in addition to a broken leg and injuries to the pelvis."

I am happy to know it was instant there was no suffering for Wouter. As i said if not appropriate please delete immediately.

Thank you for posting this, I'm glad to know that he didn't suffer much.

I'll admit that, initially, I was one of those who wondered if it wouldn't be better to honour Wouter by racing as normal; I doubted that he'd want some funereal procession in his name. However, having watched today's stage I realise that the way the riders chose to ride today was actually a perfect tribute, and no doubt gave each of them a chance to process and grieve in his own way.

The Italian people should be proud of themselves for their respectful, touching responses to the day.

 

[AussieGoddess]

I agree with so many of you

Such a moving tribute. I am so glad that Tyler rode with Leopard .... his pure emotion was heartbreaking to watch.

I think the comentators at British Eurosport did so very very well.

I am glad to have this forum to express this too. I couldnt be on last night ... but am crying just reading this thread this morning

RIP Wouter

 

[D Avoid]

Same situation at Mallory Park - 2 neutralised laps before the race proper.

Great stuff.

 

[D Avoid]

If you think that's bad you should see the treatment most of the Spanish media is giving to this story. It's sickening.

Anyway, somehow it doesn't look right for the peloton to be riding at a relatively fast pace. It almost looks like any normal stage.

Time is a restraint and the longer they spend on the road the less time for massage, food and sleep. Plus the fact that many probably slept very badly or not at all the night before.The press are all over them, so it is probably a very harrowing time for all the riders.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Today was a beautiful tribute to a great rider who left an indelible mark on the sport.

The synchronicity of his 3rd stage win last year and his 3rd stage death yesterday made Wauter a tragic hero to the sport of cycling. I think it reminds us all that feeling the sheer beauty of this sport brings us ever closer to our own mortality.

He passed away doing what he loved to do, though far too soon. May his soul rest in peace knowing that his life has touched the sport in its very heart.

 

[goober]

http://twitter.com/#!/leopardtrek

http://www.facebook.com/notes/leopard-trek/leopard-trek-will-leave-giro-ditalia/161538327244198

Interesting. Not sure this is what Weylandt would want...

 

[Martin318is]

I am welling up just reading. I missed it by just a few minutes. I hope there will be video of it somewhere.

Same thing happened to me - was watching on one our delay from the recorder but the slower pace today meant that the recording cut out at the normal time which was unfortunately with 7km to go. Will be spending the day sourcing a feed. It has been very hard to read all of this over the last few hours without wanting to just switch off the PC and go for a long walk - writing this from the office so, so thats not an option...

 

[Granville57]

I will tell you what usually happens in tragic, but mercifully rare occasions...

And you were spot on with this. Good post.
---------------------------

I watched the replay on Universal Sports this evening and just now finished reading through the entirety of this thread. Universal did a wonderful job with their coverage. They let the peloton finish in silence—no commentary as they rode the final K then crossed the finish line. Very fitting to just let the images tell the story.

Tyler Farrar was in so much pain. I really feel for him, and all the riders.

And for me a big hand of respect to David Millar on what should've been one of the biggest days in his cycling career. A selfless and very well conducted tribute.

Very fitting that David Millar was wearing the Maglia Rosa. To have such an experienced rider at the helm felt so appropriate.

I'm watching as part of the grieving process - kind of like attending a wake. I might have to turn off the English commentary, but for me it would feel worse to avoid it. But everyone is different. Maybe it's a day to remind ourselves that pro cyclists are people.

I couldn't agree more.

Todd Gogulski from Universal Sports was breaking down during the recap. It was all he could do to hold it together. As an ex-pro, you could see how shaken he was by all of it. I've really become quite a fan of his over the past few years, and I thought both he and Steve Schlanger did a commendable job on such a difficult day.

A truly touching tribute. I'm so glad that the weather presented a beautiful backdrop for such a solemn occasion.

A stage like no other...

 

[RedheadDane]

Very fitting that David Millar was wearing the Maglia Rosa. To have such an experienced rider at the helm felt so appropriate.

The Danish Eurosport commentators also talked about how it was good it was him, as he knew how to express himself to the media. Some 21-year-old kid might not have the same skill.

Also another thing I noticed (which I guess you could argue was a well, of course thing) the media didn't seek interviews with neither Leopard Trek nor Tyler Farrar.