The cycling world has been rocked once again with the news that Australian rider Carly Hibberd has been killed. The 26-year-old from Brisbane, Australia was hit by a car, while out training in the Como area of Lombardia in northern Italy this morning, according to local newspaper ininsubria.it.
The Australian, who has been based in Italy since 2009 was out training with Colombian rider Diego Tamayo between Appiano Gentile and Lurate Caccivio, when she was struck by the car. A helicopter ambulance was rushed to the scene, but there was nothing they could do to resuscitate her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
After moving to Italy in 2009, Hibberd rode for the Michela Fanini-Record-Rox team for two years. She achieved few personal results, but her sense of fun and distinctive lopsided short hairstyle made her a popular member of the peloton.
This year she has raced for the smaller Italian Cassina Rizzardi A Style Fiorucci team.
The ongoing Giro d’Italia Femminile, which Hibberd rode in 2009, has announced that this afternoon’s jersey presentations will be conducted without festivity in tribute to the Australian.