May 9, 2011

Wouter Weylandt is seen during the Tour of Spain "La Vuelta" cycling race in 2008. Cycling was in a state of shock on Monday after Weylandt died following a crash during the third stage of the Giro d'Italia. (REUTERS/Felix Ordonez/Files)

RAPALLO, Italy -- Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt died Monday after a crash during the third stage of the Giro d'Italia. He was 26 years old.

According to race reports, Weylandt crashed on the descent of the day's first climb and was unconscious.

Medical personnel were unsuccessful in their attempts to resuscitate him and he was flown to a local hospital, where doctors were also unable to revive him.