Spanish Cyclist Dies in Freak Accident

Xavier Tondo was crushed between his car and garage door
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 23, 2011 9:14 AM CDT
Updated May 23, 2011 12:46 PM CDT
Spanish Cyclist Xavier Tondo Dies in Freak Garage Accident
This March 13, 2010, file photo shows Xavier Tondo, of Spain, winning the sixth stage of the Paris-Nice cycling race in Tourrettes sur Loup, southeastern France.   (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File)

Spanish cyclist Xavier Tondo died in a freak accident today after he was crushed between his car and a garage door in southern Spain, a Civil Guard spokesman said. Tondo, 32, was reportedly trying to take his car out of the garage and got out of the car to try to get the garage door to open; his car rolled forward and pinned him against the door. Tondo was with fellow cyclist Benat Intxausti, who was in the passenger seat—the two were leaving to go training in the Sierra Nevada mountain range outside Granada.

Tondo, winner of this year's Castilla y Leon tour, was planning to compete in the Tour de France for his new Movistar Team. The Spanish cycling federation said Tondo had won 14 races in his career. Tour de France winner and current Giro d'Italia leader Alberto Contador said on Twitter, "He was an amazing person who loved this sport as anyone. I'll miss you very much. Rest in peace." (More Tour de France stories.)

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