Cycling News

Cycling mourns for Ballerini

Racers, friends, teammates saddened by his passing

The news of Franco Ballerini's death reached the Tour of Qatar just minutes before the start of the opening team time trial. Some riders heard the news before they began the stage but many others, including eventual winners Team Sky, only found out after they had celebrated victory on the podium.

Everyone was shocked and race organizers have announced that a minute's silence in memory of Ballerini will be held before stage two on Monday morning.

Many riders expressed their condolences via Twitter. "I think that everyone who has the luck to know Franco Ballerini feels like a piece of his heart has died today! An hug to his family!" Liquigas rider Manuel Quinziato wrote from Qatar. Robert Hunter: "I just been shocked by the news of Franco Ballerini's passing! He taught me so much about being a pro, a person I'll never forget!!!"

Lance Armstrong: "So sad to hear of passing of Franco Ballerini. Raced many years w/ him. Cool guy and great champ. Leaves behind a wife and 2 kids. RIP, FB."

Charly Wegelius: "Today is a sad day. My heart is with the children and wife of Franco Ballerini. He was a gentleman and a true champion."

Source: CyclingNews.com
Subject: People

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