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Dauphiné Libéré
Photo ©: Sirotti

News Flash for March 12, 2003

Edited by Jeff Jones

Kivilev dies of injuries

Andrei Kivilev
Photo: © Sirotti
Click for larger image

Kazakh cyclist Andrei Kivilev (Cofidis) has died in St Etienne as a result of injuries sustained in a crash during the second stage of Paris-Nice. Kivilev crashed with approximately 40 kilometres to go in the stage, together with teammate Marek Rutkiewicz and Gerolsteiner's Volker Ordowski, both of whom were relatively unhurt. Kivilev immediately went into a coma and was taken to St Etienne hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured skull and two broken ribs.

Kivilev remained in a coma during Tuesday night, and the Cofidis team doctor reported that his condition worsened over the course of the night. The team reported that he died on Wednesday morning at 10am, also stating that Cofidis would continue in the race. "After a drama like this, everyone decided that it's better that we remain in the race," said a team statement.

The 29 year old Kazakh climber, born on September 21, 1973, turned professional in 1998 with Festina, transferred to Ag2r-Prevoyance in 2000, then Cofidis in 2001. He won two races in his five year career: stage 5 in the Dauphiné Libéré and the Route Du Sud, both in 2001. That year he also finished 4th in the Tour de France, probably his best known achievement. His other accomplishments include 3rd in the Tour du Haut Var (2003), 3rd in the Route du Sud (2002), 4th in Clasica San Sebastian and Paris-Nice (2002), and 5th in the Dauphiné Libéré (2001 and 2002).

Cyclingnews wishes to extend its condolencies and deepest sympathies to Andrei's family, friends and team-mates.

Photography

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

(All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2003)