
Wouter Weylandt died today after crashing during the Giro de Italia.
A real shame for the road cycling sport and for leisure roadies like myself. The guys that take part in these events are the reason why I bought a racer in the first place and although I was not too familiar with the Trek racing team, it's still a shock to hear of deaths in what I always percieved to be one of the less dangerous sports.
Bad times.
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 20:22, Reply)

it seems that he lost control and bailed on a downhill section at full pelt. Nasty nasty.
Thing is though, these guys, and the majority of us lowly part-time riders, don't wear much protective gear other than our lids. When I'm out on the roadie I don't really think anything of doing 40mph down a hill wearing just a jersey and shorts but coming off on tarmac is gonna have the same effect as coming off a motorbike without leathers.
He must of taken quite a hit to the head if it smashed his skull through his undoubtedly expensive helmet.
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 21:33, Reply)

Sure, you're not doing 40km/h, but the car next to you sure is.
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 21:48, Reply)

but, I only started wearing one when I found out the hard way at 15 and ended up with several stitches. Lesson learned.
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 21:50, Reply)

wearing a helmet 2 years ago after I was forced to give up bikes with engines. There's nothing like a serious crash to make you consider your mortality.
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 22:03, Reply)

you'd be laughed out of the country.
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 23:12, Reply)

than pedestrian awareness. Also everyone cycling around town is doing so on a big heavy cobble proof cruiser which goes max 20 MPH.
However if you watch a road race in the Netherlands - they are all wearing helmets. At that speed it doesn't matter.
I've toured Netherlands extensively. I don't wear helmets in town - I sure as hell do when out of town and cruising at 20+ MPH. (I tour on a race bike with 10kg on a seat post rack)
( , Tue 10 May 2011, 1:04, Reply)

I'm surprised this can happen during a professional event!
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 21:56, Reply)

Helmets can only protect you so much.
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 22:07, Reply)

I enjoy cycling very much and although I don't follow the racing, I feel very sad about the news. R.I.P. Wouter Weylandt. :(
( , Mon 9 May 2011, 23:31, Reply)