"Sadly it’s not the first time” - Ben O'Connor looking to pay tribute to Samuele Privitera on stage 12 of 2025 Tour de France

The cycling world was rocked by the news that 19-year-old Hagens Berman Jayco prospect Samuele Privitera had passed away at a race in Italy. As the Tour de France motors on this afternoon with a first big mountain top finish on stage 12 though, Team Jayco AlUla leader Ben O'Connor is looking to pay tribute to his fallen comrade. 

According to reports, the talented youngster from prominent under-23 academy Hagens Berman Jayco suffered a heart attack after a hour of racing during the first stage of race, falling off his bike. Privitera was immediately treated by the Giro d'Italia ambulance and medical team that performed CPR before transporting to hospital. But sadly, Samuele Privitera lost his fight.

With the talent having raced for Jayco's development team, O'Connor and co will have known him, giving stage 12 this Thursday afternoon some extra meaning. “This news will push us to ride even more as a team. We’ll stand together and try to deliver a result. This is the harsh reality of a dangerous sport. We all face these moments, and sadly, it’s not the first time,” reflected the Australian in a pre-stage interview with TV2.de. “You have to remember why you’re racing. If we can win today, it will mean so much more – and it will mean a great deal to everyone.”