Wouter Weylandt dies in fall at Giro

[Dayvo]

This is very, very moving watching today's stage, each team taking a turn at the front and riding two abreast, and still thousands of fans lining the route to cheer them on. The stage will finish with Leopard Trek all crossing the line together. Apparently it was touch and go whether or not Leopard continued the Giro, but it was Weylandt's dad who persuaded them to carry on.

Very moving indeed!

On Norwegian Eurosport they are broadcasting the stage, but there is no commentary, of any description, at all, which makes it all the more poignant! Is it the same with GB Eurosport?

 

[mr Mag00]

RIP

difficult for the commentators i would imagine too.

 

[raindog]

Is it the same with GB Eurosport?

No, there's commentary, but got to say Harmon is doing a very good job indeed.

 

[ACS]

Eurosport UK have a commentary. David and Sean are doing a excellent job given the circumstances.

 

[rich p]

Really moving tribute. Can't think of a better way for the peloton to show it's respect and grief.

Tyler Farrar was Weylandt's best mate and has taken his place in the Leopard Trek line. I've a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye.

 

[mr Mag00]

v v moving

 

[Dayvo]

Really moving tribute. Can't think of a better way for the peloton to show it's respect and grief.

Tyler Farrar was Weylandt's best mate and has taken his place in the Leopard Trek line. I've a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye.

+1 - perhaps more than just one tear.

 

[raindog]

I nearly broke down as well when they were crossing the line - what a tribute to a team mate.

 

[mr Mag00]

+1 - perhaps more than just one tear.

defo here, the comaraderie really hit me.

 

[johnnyh]

So very very sad, but what a fitting tribute to him.RIP

 

[Paul_L]

very emotional photograph of the finish line.

http://www.flickr.co...rts/5707659724/

 

[ACS]

Saw some of the coverage this afternoon. I thought the sight of members of the crowd holding up Wouter's race number (108) as the procession passed particularly moving.

I found myself trying to keep my emotions under control while I trying to explain to a colleague what had happened.

 

[frank9755]

I've just watched the re-run now. Really moving. Beautiful scenery, weather, great crowds - all made it more poignant. All I can say is it was a good tribute. Very very sad.

 

[dellzeqq]

the thing is about cycling at that level is that the cyclists aren't just strong - they're fantastically skillful. And they depend on each other's skill. A fast moving bunch looks as smooth as it does because the individuals know how to ride in a bunch. The marvel is that big crashes don't happen more often.

That, I think, is what makes this tribute so very moving. Individual cyclists compete one with another - collectively they're looking out for each other.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

the lovely helen just asked me why i was crying watching the final kilometer of a cycle race. when i explained she started crying too. chapeau to the peleton, the crowds watching, the leopard-trek team and to tyler farrah.

they race like they are immortals yet their lives are just as fragile and precious as any.