Condolences pour in after death of Spanish junior rider Iván Meléndez Luque

Tributes have been made after the death of Spanish junior rider Iván Meléndez Luque, following a crash on the second stage of the Vuelta Ribera de Duero.

The 17-year-old died from his injuries after being involved in an incident along with around 20 other riders as the race approached the small village of El Amogable in Soria. Attempts were made to revive Meléndez Luque at the scene and in the ambulance on the way to hospital, according to reports by several Spanish media. His death was confirmed by local officials on Saturday evening.

The stage was immediately suspended and the following day’s racing also cancelled following the incident. A short memorial was held on Sunday at the planned stage finish in Aranda.

Meléndez Luque was from the town of Colmenar near Málaga. He raced for the Tenerife-Cabberty U19 team and was a late replacement at the Vuelta Ribera de Duero following an injury to one of his teammates. Local reports say that two other riders were taken to Santa Bárbara Hospital in Soria and being treated for injuries.

Race organisers released a statement on X at the time saying: “The Vueltan Ribera suspends all activities due to the passing of a rider.

“We send all our love and support to the family, friends, and teammates of the athlete. Tomorrow, at 10:30 AM, we will gather in the Plaza de la Hispanidad in Aranda to pay tribute to them."

The Tenerife-Cabberty team issued a statement, saying: “The entire team is devastated by the news. We appreciate all the support and affection we are receiving from all levels of cycling on such a difficult day. Our thoughts are with Iván’s family, friends and loved ones at this terrible time.”

A minute’s silence was observed at the start of the second stage of the Vuelta a España in Alba on Sunday.

UCI President David Lappartient added his condolences in a short statement on X: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Iván Meléndez Luque, who tragically lost his life today during the Vuelta Ribera in Spain. My thoughts are with his loved ones and with all who are mourning his loss within the cycling community.”

The Spanish Cycling Federation said: "We deeply regret his passing and wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace."

This is the third incident involving a crash and death of a rider in a European UCI race in the past 12 months. Previously Swiss junior Muriel Furrer died after a crash at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zürich last September and more recently Hagens Berman-Jayco rider Samuel Privitera died after a crash on the opening stage of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta last month.

Everyone at Cyclingnews would like to extend their deepest condolences to Iván Meléndez Luque's family, friends and teammates.