Davide Rebellin dead at 51: Tributes paid to cycling star after being hit by truck in horror crash while out training
ITALIAN cycling legend Davide Rebellin has died after tragically being struck by a truck.
The 51-year-old was struck while training near Vicenza, according to local media reports.
Rebellin won the Amstel Gold Race, La Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege during a stunning season back in 2004.
And he followed that up with success in the Paris-Nice race in 2008.
Rebellin was was instantly killed after being hit by the truck shortly before midday.
The accident occurred at Montebello Vicentino and the vehicle allegedly did not stop after the collision, says .
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It states that police have now launched a search for the driver.
Rebellin called time on his over three-decade pro-cycling career earlier this year and a host of tributes flooded in after the tragic news was announced for the much-loved star.
David Lappartient, the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), said: “Tragic news to hear of the sudden death of former Italian professional cyclist, Davide Rebellin.
“My thoughts are with his close ones during this difficult period.”
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GCN Racing tweeted: “We're shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Davide Rebellin.
“Rebellin retired only a little over a month ago after a 30-year-long professional career.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Former cyclist and now EuroSport commentator Matt Smith wrote: “Just returned home from a ride to hear of the passing of Davide Rebellin. So terribly sad.
“Fond memories of first racing against him way back in the baby Giro 1991.
“One thing is for sure, cycling defined his life. He lived it.
“My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
He won the silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing for Italy in the road race.
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But he was later ordered to return his prize after a retroactive doping test.
That also led to a two-year suspension from the sport.