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Cape Town, Feb. 2018 \u2013 A passing vehicle hit famous cyclist and rugby operations manager Nino Oppel outside Krugersdorp on Saturday ahead of the Berge en Dale cycling event.<\/p>\n
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“In a tragic incident, before the start of the race this morning, 41-year-old Nino Oppel of Johannesburg was struck from behind by an unidentified vehicle,” a statement from the race organizers said. “The vehicle did not stop.<\/p>\n
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Apparently, the horrifying accident occurred as Oppel was heading to the 107-kilometer race at the Cradlestone Mall which started in\u00a0Pinehaven and ended in Roodepoort.<\/p>\n
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Sadly, even though paramedics arrived within a few minutes, their tries seemed to be unsuccessful.\u00a0They\u00a0declared him dead a few hours later when at the Pinehaven Hospital.<\/p>\n
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“This is a very difficult situation for his family and we offer our heartfelt support to them. We make every effort to secure the safety of the riders at all our events. This is very tragic,\u201d Darren Herbst, ASG Events race director, said\u00a0while sending his\u00a0condolences to the victim\u2019s family.<\/p>\n
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“We are terribly shocked by Nino’s death,” said Colquhoun, the spokesman for SA Rugby.<\/p>\n
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\nAnother weekend of great results at @BergeEnDale_<\/a> with @JacquesFullard<\/a> winning the Vets 40+, @Jo_vdw<\/a> picking up 3rd in the Elite Ladies race and @MC_Potgieter<\/a> getting 3rd in the Vets 30+. Thanks to our sponsors @SandtonCity<\/a> @NelsonMandelaSq<\/a> @CushWake<\/a> @VibroBricks<\/a> @DoolhofWines<\/a> ? pic.twitter.com\/NWwJWlwD7k<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cycle Nation powered by Sandton City (@Cycle_Nation) February 24, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n