Irish talent Shane O’Brien died while training on Tuesday, brother Liam withdraws from Giro Next Gen

Sad news from Ireland, where first-year junior Shane O’Brien died on Tuesday in a traffic collision. The 16-year-old rider from Camsmajaco, a British development team linked to WorldTour team Netcompany INEOS, died during training. His brother Liam, riding for Lidl-Trek’s development team, immediately withdrew from the Giro NextGen.

According to reports, O’Brien crashed into a parked truck during training in Ballygalane on Tuesday morning and died at the scene, The Irish Times reported. “Shane was a talented rider with a promising future and a kind, gentle and positive young man. We were honoured to have him in our team and he will remain in our hearts forever,” said his team.

“Our thoughts go out in this terrible time to his family, friends, team-mates and everyone lucky enough to know him,” Camsmajaco added. Cycling Ireland also issued a condolence message. “Cycling Ireland is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of junior rider Shane O’Brien,” it said.

“Shane recently made his debut for the national team during the Peace Race in the Czech Republic and showed great potential as a rising talent. Shane will be deeply missed by everyone in Irish cycling. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and team-mates at this difficult time. May he rest in peace,” the Irish federation said.

Liam O’Brien, Shane’s older brother, still rode the third stage of the Giro Next Gen on Tuesday and then understandably went straight home. The 21-year-old rider, regarded as a major talent and who finished 11th in the Tour of Sardinia and fourth in the Tour de l’Isard this year, is being fully supported by his team Lidl-Trek.

“With great sadness we have learned of the tragic death of Shane O’Brien. Everyone at Lidl-Trek extends its sincere condolences to our Future Racing rider Liam O’Brien and his family following the tragic loss of his brother Shane. Our thoughts are with Shane’s family, friends, team-mates and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the team wrote.

Fermoy Cycling Club, O'Brien's former cycling club before joining Camsmajaco described the 16-year-old "as an extremely talented and enthusiastic cyclist". RTE reports that tributes have been flooding into the club's Facebook page, where O'Brien was called "a leader and idol to the many young cyclists who knew him both locally and nationally".

Fermoy Cycling Club said, "Shane was following his dream to become a professional cyclist and his dedication to this goal has been evident for everyone to see. Shane's loss will be deeply felt throughout our club and the wider cycling community."