Colombian dies at Clàsico Banfoandes

Colombian rider Ubaldo Mesa died at the Clàsico Banfoandes stage race in Venezuela on Sunday, October 9, 2005, as he was preparing to take the start of the last stage. The 32 year-old, who collapsed and lost consciousness, was taken to hospital immediately, but doctors could not save him. Mesa died of heart failure, the Colombian Cycling Federation announced.

Ubaldo Mesa left behind his wife and kids, as well as his brother Uberlino, a pro rider like him at team Selle Italia Colombia, who was also participating in the race.

Born in Pajarito, Boyacà, Ubaldo Mesa rode in Mexico for the last four years, currently for the team Tecos de Guadalajara. He was placed 10th on General Classification of the Clàsico Banfoandes and wanted to defend his placing, with the Vuelta al Tàchira in January as next goal in mind.