Saturday 22 April 2017 10:13, UK
2011 Giro d'Italia champion Michele Scarponi has died aged 37 after being involved in a road accident during a training ride on Saturday morning.
Scarponi was struck by a van at a crossroads while out on an early morning training ride in Filottrano, in the northern province of Ancona.
He leaves a wife and two children.
Scarponi won the Giro d'Italia in 2011, the highlight of professional cycling career which began in 2002.
On Friday, he finished fourth in the Tour of the Alps, behind winner Geraint Thomas, having won the first stage on Easter Monday.
His team Astana issued a statement which reads: "Our athlete Michele Scarponi died this morning while he was training on his bike close to his home in Filottrano.
"Michele has been hit by a van on a crossroad. This morning Michele went out on his bike for early morning training and there the tragedy happened.
"We left a great champion and a special guy, always smiling in every situation, he was a real milestone and a landmark for everyone in the Astana Pro Team.
"The Astana Pro Team clings to Michele's family in this incredibly painful moment of sorrow and mourning."
