Tadej Pogacar rode on Saturday a very special and especially poignant training ride. The Slovenian decided to join the memorial ride for the late Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera.
The 19-year-old Privitera died in July 2025 following a severe crash in the Giro della Valle d’Aosta. The talented rider from Hagens Berman Jayco, currently the development team of Jayco AlUla, went down during a descent. Rescuers had to perform CPR on Privitera at the scene before he was rushed in critical condition to Parini Hospital in Aosta, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Almost half a year after his fatal crash on July 16, a memorial ride (Ride for Privi) was held in Italy in honor of the much-mourned Privitera. A notable presence was world champion Tadej Pogacar. The four-time Tour de France winner wanted – along with several other riders, including Asbjørn Hellemose – to pay a final tribute to the Italian.
Screenshot: Instagram Luca Viale
During the recent Tour de France, Pogacar had already taken a moment to reflect on Privitera’s tragic passing. “That was the first thing I read when I got up,” he said in the post-race interview after winning the mountain stage at Hautacam. At the summit of this famous Pyrenean climb, he made a gesture towards the sky crossing the finish line, directed at the Italian.
“Today I rode with him in my thoughts. This win is for his family. It reminds us all how harsh and cruel this sport can be.” The Slovenian also posted on Instagram in memory of the late Privitera. “So that he may never be forgotten. Rest in peace.”
