Reports: Driver of truck in crash that killed Michele Scarponi failed to give way and "didn't see" cyclist

The driver of the truck involved in the crash this morning that claimed the life of 2011 Giro d'Italia champion Michele Scarponi failed to give way at a junction and said he "did not see" the cyclist, according to press reports in Italy.

Scarponi, aged 37, died at the scene of the collision which happened at 8 o'clock this morning while he was on a training ride in his home town of Filottrano in the country's Marche region.

> Tributes paid to Michele Scarponi

Pictures on the website of regional newspaper Il Resto del Carlino show extensive damage to the front of the Fiat Iveco flatbed lorry, including a smashed windscreen.

The newspaper says that the driver, a local man aged 57, failed to give way to Scarponi at a crossroads, and that the driver told Caribinieri officers afterwards that he had not seen the cyclist.

The Astana rider's funeral is likely to be held in his home town's sports centre through the wishes of his family as well as the expected number of mourners, according to the newspaper.

In a post on Instagram showing Scarponi preparing for a race with his twin sons nearby, his wife Anna expressed her thanks to everyone who has offered their condolences, on a day that has left the world of professional cycling united in shock and grief.

 

Grazie a tutti

A post shared by Anna Tommasi (@tommasi.anna77) on Apr 22, 2017 at 3:48am PDT