The tragic reason behind the death of pro cyclist André Drege at 25

The cycling world was forced to say goodbye to André Drege (25) last weekend after the Norwegian suffered a horrible crash in the Tour of Austria.

According to fellow rider Jaka Primozic, Drege had problems with his rear wheel, Austrian police told Norwegian newspaper VG.

Drege is said to have crashed during the descent of the Großglockner and succumbed to serious injuries.

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According to WielerFlits, Drege was on the day's breakaway when things went horribly wrong. Medical services could not save the young Norwegian's life.

The stage was won by Filippo Ganna (pictured), but there was no podium ceremony, per WielerFlits.

Drege (second from the right) was riding for continental team Coop-Repsol at the time of the accident.

He was having an excellent year, winning the GC at the Tour of Rhodes in March this year, per ProCylingStats, where he claimed the opening prologue.

He also competed in this year's Tour of Norway, coming in 13th in stage 4 and 43rd in the GC, according to ProCyclingStats.

As WielerFlits puts it, Drege was having "the best season in his career".

Picture credit: Instagram, @andredrege

According to several specialised cycling media, Jayco AlUla (WorldTeam level) showed interested in signing Drege, who would become teammate of Australian star Michael Matthews (pictured).

Drege's death saddens Norway and the whole cycling world. RIP.

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