Annus Horribilis

In the latest tragedy for cycling, and a reminder of just how dangerous this sport can be relative to almost any other, 1999-and-current reigning track World Champ/Illes Balears sprinter/2006 4 Days of Dunkirk stage winner Isaac Galvez was killed in a collision with another rider (who shall remain nameless, being blameless and likely feeling otherwise anyway) at the Ghent Six Day when Galvez hit the rails, reportedly dying from a crash-induced hemorrage. Galvez also took a 2nd place in a Tour stage this year, yet declared himself still unsatisfied until he should take a first. As the rare rider with skill on both track and road, Galvez rode for both Kelme and Illes Balears. Teammate Alejandro Valverde dedicated his victory in the day's Criterium of Murcia, against a truly stellar field of Spanish talent, to Galvez' memory after the group decided to ride, despite the accident, in his honor. Condolences to his family, team, and his track partner of 7 years, Juan Llaneras.