New information sheds light on fatal accident of Norwegian rider Drege (25) in the Tour of Austria

Half a year after the fatal accident involving Norwegian cyclist André Drege during the Tour of Austria, new details have emerged. The 25-year-old rider from Team Coop-Repsol crashed while descending the Grossglockner in the lead group. A random passerby found him but was unable to assist. Drege died on the spot.

Now, almost exactly six months after the horrific crash, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has released additional information. The rear tire of the Norwegian cyclist burst while he was descending at a speed of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour. "The rear tire was damaged after hitting a hard object, likely in the final corner before the crash," the new report states. The prosecutor’s office has now closed the case, as it has been conclusively determined that no one was at fault.

Drege was known as a talented cyclist, a strong all-rounder with a solid sprint. Last season, he won the International Tour of Rhodes and the South Aegean Tour, two stage races in Greece. He also defeated Paul Magnier in the first stage of the Circuit des Ardennes. Jayco AlUla was impressed by the Norwegian all-rounder and had offered him a contract for the upcoming cycling season. Unfortunately, it never came to fruition. After his fatal crash, the Tour of Austria organizers canceled the final stage of the race.

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Primozic was right behind: "This should never have happened"

Slovenian cyclist Jaka Primozic was right behind André Drege when the tragic crash occurred. He witnessed the rear tire blowout. "This should never have happened. It was a crash that wasn’t anyone’s fault. I would give anything to change something so that it never happened. My thoughts are with Drege’s family and team. Rest in peace, and may the cycling heaven be kind to you."

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