Anthony Orsani, the Italian junior time trial champion, died in a road accident today near Firenze. He was out on a training ride when he collided with a car traveling the other direction.
The car was finishing a passing maneuver, according to www.gonews.it. Orsani was riding in a group, which hit the brakes when they saw the oncoming car. Orsani, riding at the back, swerved to avoid hitting his companions. He ran right into the path of the Fiat Panda.
Initially, Orsani was conscious and tried to remove his helmet. Ambulance was on the scene quickly, but Orsani died during the transfer to the hospital of San Giuseppe di Empoli.
Orsani was riding for G.S. Stabbia and was preparing for his first year in the U23 category. He was scheduled to race in January at the Vuelta Tachira in Venezuela.
A facebook fan page quickly filled with entries – “Ciao, campeone” or “Sempre Nei Nostri Cuori” (always in our hearts). Orsani was 17 years old.