According to statements from prosecutors in both Germany and Italy on Saturday, a truck driver who is accused of causing a fatal crash in Italy last year, resulting in the death of professional cyclist Davide Rebellin, has been arrested by the police in Germany. The authorities in Germany are currently holding the truck driver, Wolfgang Rieke, as they await extradition proceedings.
Rieke is facing charges of road homicide and leaving the scene of the accident. Italian prosecutor Lino Giorgio Bruno stated that Rieke was apprehended on Thursday in Muenster based on a European arrest warrant. German authorities have confirmed that Rieke surrendered himself.
After retiring at 51, Davide Rebellin killed by truck driver in Italy
The tragic incident took place on November 30 near the town of Montebello Vicentino in northern Italy, when Rebellin was out training. Initially, Italian media reported that the truck involved did not stop after the collision. However, based on roadside video evidence and witness photographs, prosecutors determined that the driver did stop, exit the vehicle, approach Rebellin, and then return to the truck and leave the scene.
Rebellion, 51, had recently retired from cycling after racing for 26 seasons.
The Italian was a three-time Fleche Wallonne winner and also won Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2004. The Italian also won Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice. In 1996, he wore the pink jersey at the Giro d’Italia for six days after winning Stage 7.
During the investigation into Rebellin’s death, it was discovered that the truck belonged to a shipping company in Recke, Germany. Following the collision, the truck continued its journey to Verona before returning to Germany on December 3. Subsequently, prosecutors allege that the red trailer involved in the accident was detached from the tractor and replaced with a white one bearing different identification plates.
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