All of us at Hagens Berman are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Samuele Privitera, a talented young rider for the Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team, following the race yesterday at Giro Val d’Aosta. As proud sponsors of the team, we have come to know the strength, character and resilience of these young athletes — and Samuele embodied all of it.
The following statement was shared by Axel Merckx, owner and general manager of the Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team:
"It is with a very heavy heart that I share news no one in our community ever wanted to hear. Our rider, our teammate, and our dear friend, Samuele Privitera, has passed away following the race yesterday at Giro Val d’Aosta.
Samuele was and always will be the life and personality of this team. This team has always been a small family, and moments like this are unimaginable. He was irreplaceable. His joy, his spirit, his kindness, was always a bright light to whatever room or race that he was in at that moment. To lose him is devastating beyond words. Personally, I am struggling to express the sadness I feel but I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the joy he brought to our team every single day. He loved the bike, he loved the camera, he loved to smile, he loved to laugh, but most of all he loved his family and his teammates.
Please keep Samuele’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead. On behalf of everyone at Hagens Berman Jayco, thank you for standing with us and honoring Samuele’s memory.
Rest in peace, Samuele. You will always be part of this team.”
We echo Axel’s words and extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who Samuele impacted, to every person whose life was made better by knowing him and to all who are grieving his passing. As a sponsor, we are more than supporters — we are witnesses to the extraordinary spirit these young athletes bring to their sport and to the world. Samuele’s passion and dedication will not be forgotten, and we stand in solidarity with those mourning this devastating loss.
—
Steve W. Berman
Managing Partner of Hagens Berman
Co-Sponsor of Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team
