Young Italian racer Simone Roganti dies after sudden illness

Simone Roganti
Simone Roganti racing the Giro della Lunigiana in 2021 (Image credit: Giro della Lunigiana)

Italian cyclist Simone Roganti, 21, died on Friday night at his home in Spoltore, Abruzzo after suddenly falling ill, the Italian news service ANSA reported today.

Roganti reportedly went to bed, but got up and went to his parents to say he felt bad before collapsing. Paramedics were unable to revive Roganti, who raced for the Continental team MG. K Vis Colors for Peace.

According to the report, the Pescara Prosecutor's Office ordered an autopsy to discover the cause of death.

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"An investigation by the Prosecutor's Office and an autopsy? I'm happy. In a tragic moment like this we need to understand", MG. K Vis Colors for Peace team president Angelo Baldini said. 

Roganti recently finished ninth in the national level Trofeo SC Corsanico and in July raced the Giro della Valle d'Aosta in July.

"So I assume he had done all the checks, all the necessary tests. We are a team that since the beginning of the year had only won two races because we don't think about stress our guys, but about bringing them to professionalism. In fact, Simone had told me in a message that he had signed just last Monday with a Dutch team. And I was very happy."

The organization of the Giro della Lunigiana posted to social media, writing they are "deeply saddened by the death of 21-year-old Simone Roganti, who took part in our race in 2021 wearing the national team jersey. We extend our deepest condolences to Simone's relatives and friends."

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.