Italian cycling champion Michele Scarponi killed in road accident

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The sporting world is mourning the death of the Italian cycling champion Michele Scarponi.

The winner of the 2011 Giro d’Italia championship has died after being hit by a van while training.

The 37-year-old member of the Astana team was killed close to his home in Filottrano in the central Marche region.

Scarponi had only just completed the Tour of the Alps race on Friday, winning a stage and finishing fourth overall.

The cyclist began his professional career in 2002.