Spanish cycling star Estela Dominguez tragically died Thursday evening after she was hit by a truck during training. The teenager, who had hoped to make the Tour de France Femme, was on her bike in Salamanca in northwestern Spain when the incident took place.
The 19-year-old was attended by emergency services at the scene but they failed to save her life.
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Sopela Women’s Team released a statement expressing shock and sadness following her death.
“With immense pain , we have learned that our cyclist Estela Dominguez has died this afternoon, the victim of a hit-and-run while she was training. We accompany the family in these terrible moments. Rest in peace,” the statement read.
Legendary Spanish cyclist Alejandro Valverde paid tribute to the young sportswoman, writing: “There are no words that are useful in the face of something like this… All my love to the family and friends of Estela Domínguez and especially her father [Juan Carlos Domínguez] with whom I shared the peloton in my early years.”
The Spanish cycling federation released a statement that reads: “From the RFEC , we deeply regret the death of Estela Domínguez. Our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and teammates. All Spanish cycling is in mourning. Please, always respect the cyclist on the road. Every bike goes a life.”
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Who was Estela Dominguez?
Estela Dominguez, 19, had recently signed for Sopela Women’s Team. She finished fifth in the Women’s Junior National Road Race last year. She had also participated in the World Cup event in January.
According to the Mirror, her father was a professional rider from 1995 to 2006, competing in road races. The 51-year-old’s most famous moment was winning a stage at the Giro d’Italia.