Volksbank rider dies in car accident

Andreas Matzbacher of Team Volksbank has died in a car accident on Christmas Eve after losing control of his vehicle and crashing head-on into an overhead signpost, the team announced Tuesday. The 25 year-old suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"In deepest shock, the Team Volksbank announces that our rider, friend and colleague Andreas Matzbacher lost his life yesterday, December 24, 2007, in the evening hours in a tragic accident," the Austrian Professional Continental team said. "At the age of 25 years, 'Mazi' was torn out of life on Christmas Eve and leaves a deep hole in our midst. The whole team expresses its sympathy to his family."

Matzbacher would have turned 26 on January 7. He turned professional with Saeco in 2004 and rode with Lampre in 2005 before joining Volksbank in 2006. He had one UCI victory: the GP Judendorf-Straßengel in 2004.

Cyclingnews extends its condolences to the team and family.