ROMEVeteran Italian Michele Scarponi was killed on Saturday after colliding with a van while out training on his bike, his Astana team said, plunging the cycling world into mourning. "Ciao Michele," Astana wrote on Twitter. He was set to lead the Astana team at the showpiece after injury to Fabio Aru. "This morning Michele went out on his bike for an early morning training and there the tragedy happened," the team statement said. "Our thoughts and prayers go to the family, friends and team of Michele Scarponi, who passed away this morning in a traffic incident," Quick-Step Cycling team said on Twitter.

Source: Daily Nation April 22, 2017 10:18 UTC