March 12/03 10:59 am - Andrei Kivilev Dead at 29

Posted by Editor on 03/12/03
 

Andrei Kivilev Dies

Cofidis rider Andrei Kivilev has died from the head injuries suffered in a crash on the second stage of the Paris-Nice, he was 29 years old. Kivilev crashed with 40 kilometres remaining in the stage, along with teammate Marek Rutkiewicz and Volker Ordowski (Gerolsteiner), both of whom were relatively unhurt. Kivilev was taken to the local hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured skull and two broken ribs, after landing on his face and forehead. He had gone into a coma immediately after the accident. He was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred.

Andrei Kivilev turned pro in 1998 with Festina, where he stayed for 2 season before moving to Ag2r-Prevoyance in 2000. The highlight of his career was finishing 4th overall in the Tour de France in 2001. His death is the first in the pro peloton since Manuel Sanroma in 1999 at the Volta a Catalunya. The riders will not contest stage 3 (today) of Paris-Nice, riding as a group in remembrance of their comrade.

The accident is sure to intensify debate on whether helmet use should be made mandatory in the pro ranks.