A 17-year-old hailed as a “rising star” in off-road cycling died after he was struck by a car in Colorado while training for a mountain biking world championship.
Magnus White was cycling near his home in Boulder on Saturday afternoon when he was struck from behind on Highway 119, the Colorado State Patrol said in a statement to HuffPost.
The driver, identified as a 23-year-old woman, collided with his bike after crossing into the southbound lane’s shoulder, police said. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, authorities said Monday, but they do not suspect excessive speed, alcohol or drugs were factors in the incident. White was wearing a helmet at the time.
His death was announced Sunday by USA Cycling.
“White was focused on his final preparations before leaving for Glasgow, Scotland to compete in the Junior Men’s Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Championships on August 10, 2023,” said the organization, amateur cycling’s governing body. “He was a rising star in the off-road cycling scene and his passion for cycling was evident through his racing and camaraderie with his teammates and local community.”
The teen had been set to begin his senior year in high school in the coming weeks, according to a GoFundMe page set up for his family.
His competitive cycling career started early.
“He began cycling when he was eight and quickly rose through the cycling ranks,” his GoFundMe page says. “Magnus’s journey in cycling was driven by a tireless work ethic and a deep desire to achieve his personal best.”
He won the 2021 Junior 17-18 Cyclocross National Championships in Illinois, an event described as a fusion of road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase.
He also recently completed a full season of European Cyclocross racing with the USA Cycling National Team, and raced at the 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championship in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He also represented the U.S. at the Cyclocross World Championships in the Netherlands in January.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the White family, his teammates, friends, and the Boulder community during this incredibly difficult time,” USA Cycling said.