Young rider Iván Meléndez Luque passes away after crash at Spanish junior event

The tragic event occurred at the halfway point of the day, which linked the towns of Langa de Duero and the demanding finish in the Laguna Negra de Vinuesa, in the province of Soria. What should have been a climbing cycling party ended in tragedy.

The organization of the race confirmed the death through an official statement issued on Saturday afternoon, in which they expressed their deepest condolences to the family, teammates and friends of the rider whose identity was not yet revealed. Later on, it was learned that this was the Spaniard Iván Meléndez Luque. 

According to the information provided, the accident occurred shortly after the cyclists had crossed the N-234 road, at the entrance to the natural site of El Amogable. It was at this point that a massive fall affected several riders in the peloton.

The seriousness of the situation forced a rapid intervention of the health services, although unfortunately it was not enough to save the cyclist's life.

Initially, the stage was neutralized, as the temporary absence of ambulances made it impossible to guarantee the safety of the participants. Subsequently, due to the impossibility of resuming the race with the proper medical support, the organization decided to suspend the stage completely. The peloton, now grouped together, moved in a controlled manner to the town of Vinuesa, where the finish was scheduled.

The tragic accident has generated a deep shock in the world of junior cycling. The Vuelta Ciclista Junior a la Ribera del Duero, which celebrates its ninth edition in 2025, is a recognized event in the youth calendar, conceived as a development platform for emerging talents.

A brief memorial will be held on Sunday morning in honor of the young life that has been lost today. The third and final stage of the race from Pedrosa de Duero to Aranda de Duero will be cancelled afterwards.