The cycling world suffered another tough blow this morning with the news that Movistar rider Xavier Tondo was tragically killed in a freak accident where he was crushed between his car and a garage door as he prepared to go for a training ride. The 32 year old was reportedly trying to get his car out of a garage outside Granada a Civil Guard spokesman confirmed, according to ESPN.
The spokesman confirmed that the cyclist got out of his car to try to get the garage door to open when his car rolled forward and crushed him against the door. Another person was in the passenger seat of the car at the time of the incident.
The talented Catalonian was named by the Spanish media as being the rider who tipped police off about a doping network and thus helped to lead to the Operación Cursa investigation. His brave move earned him much respect in a sport that has been working hard to clean up its image.
The cycling community took another difficult blow exactly two weeks ago when Belgian Wouter Weylandt also tragically died as a result of a crash while participating in the Giro d'Italia.
Current leader of the event, Alberto Contador, commented on the tragedy during what is the race's rest day. “How unfair life is and how difficult to understand at times. I cannot explain my feelings on the death of Xavier Tondo. My sincere condolences to his family. He was an amazing person who loved this sport as much as anyone. I'll miss you very much," Contador continued,"Rest in peace.”
Tondo was off to a good start this season, seizing the overall victory in the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon and winning a stage of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina.
Our thoughts and prayers here at VeloNation are with Xavier's family, friends and his Movistar team.