The driver had requested a plea bargain which would have seen his sentence halved to three years, but will now face trial in May, as the classics star’s family described the verdict as a “nice surprise”

The Italian pro’s family is firmly opposed to the deal, citing Wolfgang Rieke’s previous hit-and-run and drink driving offences

Wolfgang Rieke faces charges of traffic homicide and failure to render assistance in relation to crash that killed ex-pro cyclist