RIP. Tragedy in French sport as 24-year-old professional cyclist dies

French and world sport have suffered yet another tragic and irreplaceable loss.

Details: Cycling outlet DirectVélo reported the death of 24-year-old French rider Damien Girard, who passed away on Monday evening.

Born in Tours, Girard spent three productive seasons at amateur level with Nogent-sur-Oise before signing his first professional contract. In 2023, the Frenchman joined continental team Nice Métropole Côte d'Azur, representing the squad continuously through 2025.

A versatile puncheur and specialist on mountainous routes, the rider repeatedly challenged for victories. In 2024, Girard claimed his first professional win, triumphing on a stage of the 2.2-category Tour du Maroc, while in 2025 he won the mountains classification at the Tour de Provence.

It is worth noting that Damien Girard was born on December 14, 2001, and was regarded as one of the brightest and most hard-working riders in the French continental peloton.

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