The cycling community in the Leningrad region faced a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two young riders and left ten others injured with varying degrees of severity. The news was confirmed by Aleksey Redakov, who serves as the head of the Leningrad Region Cycling Federation. The region is rallying to support the victims and their families as authorities launch a full inquiry into the incident. Source LenTV24.
Redakov explained that the cyclists were traveling on a public road when a Ford vehicle, operated by the cyclists’ coach, accompanied the group. A Scania truck, driven by a 31-year-old man from a neighboring country, collided with the foreign-flagged vehicle and then struck the convoy of athletes. The impact intensified the tragedy as the truck surged into the line of riders, amplifying the danger for those on the road. The preliminary version of events suggests that the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, though investigators are pursuing a complete and careful reconstruction of the sequence of actions leading up to the crash. Source LenTV24.
Vyacheslav Ekimov, who leads the Russian Cycling Federation, offered condolences to the families affected and stated that addressing the aftermath could be coordinated at the regional level. He emphasized that it is too early to draw conclusions and insisted that law enforcement must determine responsibility through a thorough investigation. The federation will remain available to assist if any athletes or families request it, but it will not engage in actions outside the formal process. Source LenTV24.
The administration stressed that there was no organized fundraising from the athletes themselves. If any objections arise, officials noted they would take an active role to ensure transparency and accountability, while keeping the focus on safety and the well-being of those involved. Investigators are expected to determine the facts and establish whether any negligence contributed to the crash. Source LenTV24.
As the region awaits official findings, observers point to ongoing safety concerns for cyclists traveling through mixed traffic routes used by competitive teams and training squads. Authorities have pledged a careful review of current safety measures and protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Updates will be provided as information becomes available and families receive ongoing support through regional services. Source LenTV24.