“He Was a Champion” – Pro Cyclist Recalls Memories of Training Partnership With Racing Colleague a Year After His Untimely Passing at 51

With cycling championships witnessing high-paced competition, many players are seen etching connections beyond the track. Weaving one such story of brotherhood, a recent exchange with pro cyclists recorded them recalling memories of their late colleague, Davide Rebellin. Riding for 30 long years, the Italian cyclist had earned over six professional titles under his name before his untimely death. 

After the news of his demise at 51 surfaced in 2022, cycling fans and players were left heartbroken, mourning the loss of a true legacy. With a year passing since his departure, the sentiments of his training partner from younger days, Fabio Baldato reignited the flames of sorrow. Remembering having had warm yet passionate encounters with Rebellin, Baldato recently shared his candid experiences from the past. 

Late cycling professional leaves a legacy behind 

As a luminary on cycling wheels, Rebellin’s journey commenced in 1992, with him gracing 12 teams across his three decades in professional games. Besides leaving an indelible mark on the peloton, the iconic rider’s laurels ranged from triumphs at Tirreno-Adriatico in 2001 to a stellar hat-trick in the 2004 Ardennes Classics. 

Read More: National cycling league shakes up future of sport with expansion announcement and suspension of numerous riders

Evidently, he even captured these wins within an astonishing eight days. Establishing his dominance in the La Flèche Wallonne, Amstel Gold Race, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the cycling professional earned many peaks in track races. 

While a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics adorned his accolades, sadly, the honor was tarnished as the IOC stripped him after his EPO test came positive. Although this stinging setback had led to a two-year hiatus, Rebellin did return eventually, driven by the urge to reaffirm his prowess.

Colleagues remember vibrant player lost too soon

Significantly, Rebellin’s influence extended beyond his victories, earning appreciation and bonding with colleagues. As Baldato vividly recalled his early days, the cyclist mentioned how Davide had always been a man working hard for success, blindly believing in training sessions. 

“He was a winner, a captain”, the current sports director with UAE Team Emirates mentioned, highlighting the connection he had with the former cyclist. As Rebellin’s career soared high, Philippe Gilbert had found a mentor in him, despite the age gap. 

Training together with the late cycling sensation, he nostalgically elaborated on their bonding while quoting, “He always pushed further. He was a good partner.” Exemplifying Davide’s ability to inspire, one of his contemporaries, Michael Boogerd, also added his stance, remembering to identify his potential long before their professional endeavors. 

Culminating nostalgic recaps, these cycling experts prayed for their beloved colleague Davide Rebellin, after his life was cut short following retirement plans. In a sport where lines often blur between work and passion, his story was forever etched in the winds of epic cycling escapades. 

Watch This Story: “That is how you inspire the next generation” – Unexpected souvenir from a pro cyclist at a Jumbo-Visma race makes a young fan’s day