Weylandt’s team withdraw from Giro d’Italia after his death

AFP - The Leopard Trek team withdrew from the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday a day after team member Wouter Weylandt died in a crash during the second stage the team announced in a statement.

The decision by the riders - who crossed the line alongside each other accompanied by Weylandt's training partner Tyler Farrar in Tuesday's third stage which was not contested as a mark of respect - was endorsed fully by the team managers.

"The decision needed to be taken by the riders, because they are the ones that participate in the race," said General Manager Brian Nygaard.

"We have always said that we would stand behind their choice."

"We wish to thank the other teams, the race organisation RCS, the Italian authorities and all the fans on the road between Genova and Livorno on today's stage, as the peloton paid tribute to Wouter Weylandt."

Team captain Fabian Wegmann explained the rider's decision.

"We have a lot of respect for the Giro d'Italia and for cycling, but we simply cannot continue racing given the circumstances. We are professional athletes, but we feel this is the right thing to do."