For cyclists every time they clip into their pedals and roll off the start line there is an implied danger that they all face. Crashes are commonplace but a death in the peloton is, thankfully, rare. Tragically a racer lost his life during today’s stage of the Giro d’Italia.

On the descent of the Passo del Bocco, Wouter Weylandt (Leopard-Trek) crashed and lost consciousness. AP reported that the race doctor gave 40 minutes of cardiac massage but it was suspended when it became apparent there was nothing more to be done. Within an hour of the stage’s conclusion it was reported that he died from injuries sustained in the crash. He was 26 and leaves behind a pregnant girlfriend.

Craig Lewis checks in with Carolina Cycling News at the conclusion of today’s stage 3.

“What can you say or do? I’ve been very close to that same situation myself, and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I feel very sorry for him, his team and all of those who know him.

For me, and it is all very little compared to the bigger picture, my day was not the best. A certain person we both know crashed me in the feed zone and I finished the race bloody, bruised and on my uncomfortable spare bike. I did remain in the front group. I was with Cav on the second to last climb and he wasn’t feeling it today so he told me to go on.

Just hope tomorrow is a safer and better day for all of us.”

Chris Butler who saw Weylandt on the ground after the accident didn’t want to comment on today’s incident. Butler crashed in the feed zone Lewis refers to and is a little worse for wear.

Our thoughts are with Woulter Weyland’s family and friends, as well as all the racers who have been deeply affected by losing a member of the peloton community.

You can follow Craig Lewis on Twitter, his blog, and reports on NBCSports.com
You can follow Chris Butler on Twitter