20-year old promising young rider, Mathieu Riebel, died in a horror crash with a passing ambulance during stage 9 of the Tour de Nouvelle Caladonie a few hours ago.
French cyclist Mathieu Riebel killed after collision with ambulance during race. Find more here: https://t.co/ebVv7Dz26R pic.twitter.com/irmyzHZdlB
— Cycling Today (@CyclingTodayEn) October 21, 2017
His death is now confirmed by race organizers who published an official statement on their Facebook page saying: “Riders, teams, companions, participants in Au Tour d’Elles, journalists, everyone has learned with shock and great sadness of the tragic accident that occurred during the descent of the Col de la Pirogue, which cost Mathieu Riebel his life and seriously injured Erwan Brenterch, both of the Shell Pacific team.”
Mathieu #Riebel, 20, lost his life yesterday in an accident during the Tour of Nouvelle-Caledonie.
Rest in peace ???? #cycling pic.twitter.com/BsaUF8CYjv— cyclingideas (@cyclingideas_) October 20, 2017
Right before the collision moment, French talented rider was helping his teammate Erwan Brenterch to go back to the peloton soon after he suffered a sudden mechanical issue during a crash that occurred on the descent of Cl de la Pirogue. The accident left the second rider with a broken leg.
How it happened
“Mathieu was doing his best to bring his leader back into the peloton after mechanical trouble. It was on the high-speed descent of the pass that the collision with a vehicle occurred. The whole organization sends its deepest condolences to Mathieu’s family.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mathieu Riebel during Tour de Nouvelle Caladonie. Thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/UL7v6ZVDBL
— Oceania Cycling (@OceaniaCycling) October 21, 2017
According to official reports, Mathieu hit the windscreen of a passing ambulance that was at that moment, coming from the opposite direction. According to L’Equipe and AFP, president of the regional cycling committee of New Caledonia, Gérard Salaun, said that Mathieu had taken a corner at around 80km/h as he was trying hard to bring Brenterch back.
Soon after the tragic event Tour organizers canceled the stage. They have now offered psychological support for all participating in the race. As for the Saturday’s final stage, race organizers have neutralized it and have decided to reduce it to one ride up the Mont Dore, rather than the two according to the original plan.
