Tour de France riders finished stage 8 to Colombie-les-Deux-Eglise under rainy and gray skies amidst sadness over the death of Norway's André Drege at the Tour of Austria.

The news of Dréguet's passing came late in the Tour de France stage, but the riders seemed to finish the stage unaware of the sad news. Biniam Guillemay (Intermarché Wanty) won the sprint race, and Tadey Pogachar (UAE Team Emirates) took the leader's jersey.

Upon arriving at the podium area and on the bus, the riders were quietly told of Dreguet's tragic death.

"We do a pretty cool job, but most of the time it's really dangerous," Pogachar said after the stage, echoing the feelings of many riders in the peloton.

Professional riders are acutely aware of the risks they take every day when racing on wet, gravelly roads and mountain descents. The death of every rider is a deeply thought-provoking moment.

"Sometimes we can't fully appreciate what we have. Pogachar added that. [I think of his family and friends, the organizers of the Tour of Austria, and all the riders there."

"In the cycling world, we need to look out for each other and take care of each other.

Just a year ago, Gino Mader was killed in an accident on the descent of the Albula Pass in the Tour de Suisse. And a few weeks ago, a 17-year-old Italian rider died during a race in Juniolen Lundfahrt, Austria.

Despite efforts to improve safety, road racing remains a dangerous sport.

Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno X Mobility) was preparing to don the polka-dot mountain jersey after going on the attack again during the stage to score points when he was informed of the death of a fellow Norwegian rider in the podium area. He kept his mouth shut.

The Uno-X transfer bus closed its doors across the finish area and waited for the riders with condolences. The team flew the flag of Scandinavian cycling, specifically Norwegian cycling.

Only the experienced team leader, Alexander Kristoff, spoke.

"I just heard. 'I don't really know what happened. It's really sad news."

Kristoff raced with Drege and his Coupe Repsol team in the Tour of Norway and the Norwegian Arctic Race, and with the Norwegian National Team.

"I know Andre a little bit because I ran with him on the national team. He's a very nice guy and had a good season," Kristoff explained.

"He was a quiet guy, but he won a couple of races this year and was about to become a professional cyclist next year.

"It's really unbelievable, but these things happen, and unfortunately it seems to be happening more and more. It's devastating news."

The team later posted a message on social media with a picture of Dredge.

"It is with great sadness that we at Uno X Mobility have received the news of the tragic death of Andre Drege on today's Tour of Austria stage. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Andre's family, friends, loved ones, and all of his colleagues at Team Corps Repsol.

"André Dreguet was a talented and dedicated cyclist and his passing is a great loss to the sport. During this difficult time, we want to express our support for all those affected and stand with the Norwegian cycling community."

"We would like to thank the Norwegian cycling community for their support.

Other teams and riders reacted to Drege's death later that day, posting messages on social media.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Andre's family and loved ones," wrote Remco Evenpoel.

We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Norwegian rider Andre Drege. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates," wrote Visma-Lease a Bike.

"A loss felt by the entire cycling community. Our thoughts are with Andre Drege's friends, family, and teammates. Rest in peace, Andre" (EF Education-EasyPost).

Sad news from today's Tour of Austria. We send our love and strength to Andre Drege's friends, family, and Team Coup Repsol teammates," wrote Lidle Trek.

All of us at Cycling News send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Andre Drege.