A new tragedy has shaken French cycling with the death of a young 17-year-old rider, hit by a car during a training outing around Angoulême.
Terrible news as the holidays approach. The Angoulême Vélo Club has indeed announced the tragic death of Tristan Merle, one of its young members. The Charente runner was only 17 years old and died during a training session this Saturday when he was hit by a car.
The accident occurred early in the afternoon on the D25 around Bouex, a neighboring town to Angoulême. The young rider apparently swerved to the left while he was riding with around twenty of his teammates and was hit by a car coming in the opposite direction. According to Ici Charente, the teenager died instantly.
“The exit was supervised by a following vehicle,” said the gendarmerie in charge of the investigation. “Alcohol and drug tests will be carried out on the victim and the driver of the car,” she clarified while the reasons which led young Tristan to move away from the group remain unknown.
The wish of the Angoulême Vélo Club
“A psychological unit was immediately set up to support all those who were present at the time of the events, said the Angoulême Vélo Club in a press release before offering its condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Tristan was a valued member of the club, and his sudden disappearance deeply upsets us,” took care to specify the club.
The Angoulême Vélo Club also held a press conference this Sunday during which the club explained that it hoped “this tragedy does not pit road users against each other, but on the contrary reminds us of the need for caution, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between all. »
