In northern Italy’s Tre Valli Varesine race, pro cyclist Marcel Camprubí of team Pinarello‑Q36.5 was involved in a serious safety incident when he was struck by a vehicle—reported as either a car or a motorbike—while racing. The collision caused notable damage to his bicycle and provoked an immediate, outspoken reaction from the rider: “Sad that you have to risk your life to race.” The incident underscores the persistent hazards riders face from unauthorized or ill‑managed vehicle interaction during events.

Camprubí shared photos of the damaged bike through social media, underlining how easily safety can be compromised when motors are allowed too close to the peloton. Neither the precise nature of the vehicle involved nor its race authorization status has yet been clarified, though both his team and race organizers have been contacted pending further details.

The event highlights a broader push for improved race safety governance. UCI president David Lappartient recently emphasized that rider safety “is not negotiable” and must advance more rapidly than other reform efforts. He cited this incident amid discussions on pro cycling reforms, signaling institutional recognition that enforcement and safer practices need tightening.

For general riders and clubs, this incident serves as a stark reminder to continuously seek safer race environments—whether by advocating for rigorous vehicle controls, supporting stricter enforcement at the course level, or leveraging technology to sustain clear zones around racers. Ongoing vigilance by organizers, teams, and governing bodies remains essential to protect cyclists on both elite and grassroots levels.