André Drege, a professional cyclist racing for Team Coop-Repsol, died at the age of 25 due to injuries sustained in a crash at the Tour of Austria on Saturday.
The organisers of the Tour of Austria officially announced Drege's death on Saturday, July 6, following stage 4 of the event.
Drege fell on a descent of the Großglockner and suffered fatal injuries, according to the organisers of the Tour of Austria.
The queen stage 4 at the Tour of Austria was 151.7km from St. Johann Alpendorf to Kals. It included mid-race climbs over Fuscher Törl and Hochtor, which peaked at 66km into the stage and then climbs Iselsberg and Kals am Großglockner.
There was limited news about Drege's injuries during the stage; however, the podium ceremony was cancelled.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of André Drege," said the organisers of the Tour of Austria.
"On Saturday 6th July, following a very serious crash during the descent of the Großglockner at stage 4 of the Tour of Austria, André crashed and sustained severe injuries.
"Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with André's family and loved ones and his team Coop-Repsol during this incredibly difficult time."
Ineos Grenadiers' Filippo Ganna won stage 4, while Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) leads the general classification.
Event organiser have not yet announced whether the final stage of the Tour of Austria will take place on Sunday.
Drege was born in Norway and lived in Stranda. According to his bio on the Team Coop-Repsol website, he has been fascinated with cycling since an early age. He began cycling at 14 and then moved to Lillehammer in 2016 to attend NTG, one of the nation's top sports and education schools.
In 2024, Drege embarked on his sixth season of professional bike racing. He joined the pro ranks in 2020 with the Norwegian team Lillehammer CK, where he spent one and a half seasons. Partway through 2021, he joined Team Coop, where he raced for the next four seasons.
Drege had an outstanding season this year, winning seven races, including two stages and the overall classification at Visit South Aegean Islands, one stage and the overall classification at Tour of Rhodes Powered by Rodos Palace, and a stage at each Circuit des Ardennes and Tour du Loir et Cher.
"We are devastated by the tragic passing of André Drege. Our thoughts and prayers are with André’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Team Coop-Repsol said.
"André’s family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, and we kindly ask that their wishes are respected."
The cycling community has paid touching tributes to André Drege in the hours following the tragic announcement of his death.
Everyone at Cyclingnews would like to extend their deepest condolences to André Drege's family, friends and teammates.
