The race began with torrential conditions and ended tragically. Italian Superbike rider — Andrea Antonelli— has died after a shocking accident during the opening lap of Moscow’s World Superbikes round. The 25-year old raced in the super-sport division of high-speed motorcycles.
Here is what you need to know about accident that took the life of the young Antonelli:
1. He Died From Massive Head Trauma
Andrea Antonelli, in action during the Supersport FIM World Championship at Phillip Island (Getty)
Antonelli suffered massive head trauma in the accident. The race was stopped with a waving red flag and the rider was immediately taken to an ambulance where the medical staff worked to resuscitate him.
Despite their efforts, Andrea sadly succumbed to his injuries at 2:10pm local time.
2. Antonelli Lost Control of His Bike
I was about 20 yards behind Zanetti & after the impact I went right in between both bikes. It was a terrible accident. RIP Andrea Antonelli
— Kenny Noyes (@KennyNoyes) July 21, 2013
The Kawasaki Go Eleven rider lost control of his ZX-6R bike, said Tatiana Makhina, a spokeswoman for the Moscow Raceway organisers. The World Supersport rider fell on the back straight and with the heavy spray kicked up by a full pack of riders on the first lap.
3. Antonelli Was Hit By a Fellow Rider
Lorenzo Zanetti was the other rider involved in the accident.
The 25-year old fell off his bike and was accidently struck by a fellow rider and compatriot, Lorenzo Zanetti. According to Moto Matter:
Italian Antonelli lost control of his Kawasaki ZX6R at the start of the long straight and was hit from behind by Lorenzo Zanetti who was unable to avoid the stricken rider.
4. Dismal Weather Conditions Could Have Caused Accident.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIJGAlF8lTI The slippery conditions caused many leading riders to crash in the event, including pole sitter Davide Guigliano. Colleagues of the the young racer blame for his death on the weather and organizers of competitions.
The video above which was recorded during the race, depicts the tragic accident.
5. The World Superbike Championship Races were Cancelled.
World Supersport rider Andrea Antonelli has died after a horrific crash on the opening lap at Moscow’s Superbike World Championship round. — Formula One Fans (@Formula1_GP) July 21, 2013
The race was called off as were the day’s headline World Superbike Championship races due to “unsafe conditions.”