The famous Italian cyclist Michele Scarponi, the winner of the cyclist "Giro d'Italia" in 2011, was the victim of a road accident in his hometown of Filotrano. During training, he was hit by a van.

The 37-year-old athlete went on a training trip early Saturday morning. The car touched him at the crossroads near the house. The clash proved fatal for Scarponi.

Recently, the cyclist played for Kazakhstan team "Astana". The statement of the team says that they lost the "great champion".

On Friday, he completed his participation in the competitions "Alpine Tour", winning one stage and finishing fourth in the overall standings.

Scarponi began his professional career in 2002 and achieved better results in Italy. First he won the individual stages of the "Giro d'Italia", and in 2011 he won the whole tournament.

"We will miss this guy in the peloton, always with a smile," - wrote in the "Twitter" Olympic champion in cycling Belgian Greg van Avermayet.

"One of the most daring and happy guys in the peloton. Rest in peace, "- said the British cyclist Alex Dowsett.

Michele Scarponey had a wife and two children.