David Cañada, an ex-pro and cancer survivor, died Saturday from head injuries sustained during a fall in a gran fondo event in his home region of Aragon, Spain.
According to Spanish media reports, he crashed into another rider, landed heavily on his head, and later died of injuries. He was 41.
Cañada won the 2006 Volta a Catalunya after riding into a key breakaway and wore the best young rider’s jersey during the 2000 Tour de France. He was once hailed as a potential grand tour winner, riding for ONCE, Mapei, Saunier-Duval, and Fuji-Servetto before retiring in 2009.
His racing career was marred by health problems, including a heart condition and injuries to his Achilles tendon. In 2007, he was diagnosed with melanoma. Following an operation and treatment, he return to race one final season.
