Cyclist star, Desiet Kidane Tekeste has died at the age of 21 in a road traffic accident back in her home country of Eritrea.
The young cycling star was reportedly training at home in the city of Asmara, Eritrea when she was hit by a car and killed.
Desiet Kidane was looking to stay active as she trained in Eritrea, an African country bordering Sudan and Ethiopia.
She was building a reputation as a rising star in cycling since winning gold in the time trial at the Junior African Continental Championship back in 2018.
News of the 21-year-old’s death soon brought a wave of tributes with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) leading the way on social media.
The UCI wrote: ‘With her constant smile, kindness, respect and deep passion for cycling, Desiet Kidane Tekeste was a rising young talent who will be greatly missed.
Cycling star Desiet Kidane Tekeste tragically killed during training after being hit by a car in the capital of Eritrea
‘Our thoughts are with her family, friends and @WCC_Cycling team-mates and coaches during this tragic time.’
Amina Lanaya, deputy general at the UCI, penned her own statement in which she wrote: ‘Such a tragic loss. On behalf of everyone at the UCI and WCC Cycling, our hearts go out to Desiet’s family and close ones during this tragic moment in time.
‘Her passion, kindness and immense talent are major losses to the whole cycling community.’
In addition, the World Cycling Centre (WCC) wrote: ‘Words can’t express our sadness to hear of the passing of 21-year-old UCI WCC athlete, Desiet Kidane Tekeste from Eritrea. We will miss you Desiet.’
Africa Rising Cycling added: ‘There are simply no words… Another passionate and wonderful cyclist lost to the world after being hit by a car driver. #RIP. Desiet Kidane. Never forgotten.’
Africa Women Cycling said in their tribute: ‘We lost a beautiful soul and an amazingly talented cyclist today.
‘Desiet Kidane we will miss your smile and your competitive spirit.
‘You were an inspiration to #African women cyclists throughout the continent #thisgirlrides #RIP #gonetoosoon #inspiration.’
