17yo rising cycling star Magnus White dies in training accident

Just 17

Magnus White, a rising star in the cycling world, was tragically killed over the weekend when he was struck by a vehicle during a training ride in Boulder, Colorado. The beloved cyclist was just 17.

"Passion for cycling"

USA Cycling issued a statement on Sunday evening confirming the news. “He was a rising star in the off-road cycling scene and his passion for cycling was evident through his racing and camaraderie with his teammates and local community,” USA Cycling said in the statement, as reported by the Guardian. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the White family, his teammates, friends, and the Boulder community during this incredibly difficult time.”

Image Credit: USA Cycling

Struck from behind

According to Gabriel Moltrer, public information officer for the Colorado State Police, White was riding his bicycle on Highway 119 around 12pm when a 23-year-old woman driving a Toyota Matrix struck him from behind, as reported by ESPN.

Image Credit: Instagram @themagnuswhite

No suspicious factors

White, who was wearing a helmet, was knocked off the road into a fence. He was pronounced dead at a hospital, Moltrer said. The driver of the Toyota was not injured. Alcohol, drugs and excessive speed were not suspected to be factors in the crash, Moltrer said. As such, no arrests have been made, though the investigation is ongoing.

Image Credit: Instagram @themagnuswhite

A US representative

White was rising star across a number of cycling disciplines. In 2021, he won a junior national championship in cyclocross in 2021 and earning a place on the U.S. national team. He competed with the team in Europe ahead of last year's cyclocross world championships, and he was picked to represent the U.S. again at this year's cyclocross worlds in the Netherlands.

Image Credit: Instagram @themagnuswhite

New to road cycling

White had only just started to compete in road cycling and mountain biking this season. Sunday was one of his last training rides before the junior world mountain bike championships in Scotland, which begin this week.

Image Credit: Instagram @themagnuswhite