RIP Wouter Weylandt

No Manic Monday today. I've been quietly getting absurdly geeked up for the Giro d'Italia ever since what was, in my opinion, one of the best Classics seasons in recent memory. That all came crashing down with the news that Wouter Weylandt, of Team Leopard-Trek, had passed away after a horrific crash on one of the final descents of today's 3rd stage of the Giro. Ironically, he won last year's 3rd stage in Italy, and to quote Bonnie Ford of ESPN, I'm sure he would want to be remembered thusly:

Having grown up crewing for my father in sailplane competitions, I've lost close friends to sporting accidents. It's not something you get used to. In spite of the fact that I'm little more than a Fred, and very much a fanboy of these amazing athletes, I firmly believe that the cycling community is truly bound by love and understanding of the sport. A member of my extended family - of my extended peloton, if you will - however distant, has left us.

Wouter was 26, and a helluva rider. I read that his wife is expecting a baby in September, which pretty much makes this a complete kick in the gut. My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family, his friends, and his teammates, past and present.

Ride in Peace, Wouter...