FILE PHOTO: Italy's Michele Scarponi climbs during the 248-km sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race, from Bressanone to Mayrhofen im Zillertal, May 14, 2009. Scarponi won the stage while compatriot Danilo Di Luca retained the leader's pink jersey. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini/File Photo
PARIS (Reuters) - Michele Scarponi, the 2011 Giro d'Italia champion, has been killed after being hit by a van while training close to his home in Filottrano, Italy, his Astana team said on Saturday.
Scarponi, 37, left home early on Saturday morning for a training ride. The accident happened at a crossroads.
