The world of cycling is in mourning following the tragic death of Tour de France hopeful Estela Dominguez at the age of just 19.
Dominguez, who had been hoping to make the Tour de France Femmes, was killed during an incident while out training. According to Spanish outlet Interia Sport, the promising young star was cycling in Salamanca in northwestern Spain when she was hit by a truck at around 6.30pm.
Emergency services reportedly rushed to the scene but were unable to save her life. Dominguez, who finished fifth in the Women’s Junior National Road Race last year, recently joined professional road race outfit Sopela Women’s Team.
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They released a statement paying tribute to the talented young star.
It read: “With immense pain, we have learned that our cyclist Estela Dominguez has died this afternoon, the victim of a hit-and-run while she was training. We accompany the family in these terrible moments. Rest in peace.”
(Image: Twitter)
Spanish cyclist Alejandro Valverde said: “There are no words that are useful in the face of something like this. All my love to the family and friends of Estela Domínguez and especially her father [Juan Carlos Dominguez] with whom I shared the peloton in my early years.”
The University of Salamanca, where Dominguez studied, also released a statement. It read: “We deeply regret the death of Estela Dominguez, a student at this university and a cyclist from Valladolid. We offer our love and accompaniment to the family in these terrible moments.”
Others commented: “A big hug to Estela Dominguez’s family. RIP.” And: “Shocked by the news of the death of the young cyclist Estela Dominguez.
While the Spanish Cycling Federation posted their own tribute, which read: “From the RFEC, we deeply regret the death of Estela Dominguez.
“Our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and teammates. All Spanish cycling is in mourning. Please, always respect the cyclist on the road. Every bike goes a life.”
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