The 2024 UEC Gravel European Championships were overshadowed by the death due to cardiac arrest of Italian rider Silvano Janes, who was competing in the Masters 65-69 category on Saturday in Asiago, Vicenza, Veneto, Italy.

Event organizers confirmed Janes' death in an official statement after the event.

“The 2024 UEC Gravel European Championships on the Asiago Plateau should have been a day of celebration, but instead it was a day of mourning: during the 65-69 Masters race, Italian rider Silvano Janez tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. Despite immediate medical assistance, nothing could be done,” organizers wrote in a statement.

Janes, 69, was a well-known cyclist from Trentino and a multiple-time world champion in the road granfondo and mountain bike masters categories.

The riders competing in the UEC Gravel European Championships rode a local lap of 51 km, 70% on gravel and 30% on paved roads, with a total elevation of 800 m.

The riders were divided into three categories. Each category competed in a different number of laps, ranging from 1 to 3. The Masters men 65+ completed one lap.

Race organizers confirmed that after the second lap (102 km), the competition was halted for all categories except for the leading group of elite men.

“Following this incident, the UEC has agreed with the organizers of the Flanders Classic and the PP Sport event to cancel all races after the second lap of the 51 km circuit. Only the first two groups of the men's elite were allowed to complete the third lap in order to compete for the European title,” race organizers said in a statement.

Organizers also confirmed that the awards ceremony had been cancelled for all categories and that the men's elite and women's elite categories had stood on the podium and the top three podium photos had been taken.

“Furthermore, the usual post-race celebrations did not take place. There was no music, no jerseys, no interviews, no national anthem, and only the elite men and women stood on the podium and had their pictures taken.

The Flanders Classic issued a statement after the event, offering condolences to Janes' family, friends, and loved ones.

“Silvano Janes (ITA-Master 65-69) passed away suddenly at the 2024 UEC Gravel European Championships in Asiago, Veneto.

“We would like to extend our sincere condolences and support to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”