The tragic death of Norwegian cyclist Andre Drege during Stage 4 of the 2024 Tour of Austria has been attributed to a mechanical issue, according to new findings released by the Klagenfurt Public Prosecutor's Office. Drege, a 25-year-old rider, lost his life while descending during the stage, a loss that sent shockwaves through the cycling community.
Following an investigation into the fatal accident, authorities confirmed that the incident was caused by a problem with the rear wheel of Drege’s bike. The Austrian publication Die Presse reported that the rear wheel was "damaged by the impact with a hard object on the road, probably just before the bend where the fall occurred."
This revelation sheds light on the circumstances of the accident, which had remained unclear for months since. The mechanical failure appears to have played a critical role in Drege's inability to navigate the descent safely, leading to the crash.
The loss of Andre Drege, a promising young rider, has been deeply felt within the cycling world, and these findings may prompt further discussion on safety measures and equipment standards in professional racing going forward.