Juan Pujalte dead aged 18: Tributes pour in for teenage cycling star following training accident

CYCLIST Juan Pujalte, 18, has died in a tragic training accident in Spain.

The young talent raced for the Valverde cycling under-23 Team.

Instagram @pujalte__22

The star has tragically died at just 18[/caption]

The accident took place in Escombreras, in Cartagena, Spain, and has rocked the cycling world.

The Cycling Federation of the Region of Murcia (FCRM) confirmed the news, writing in a statement: “With all the pain in our heart we have to report the death by accident of Juan Pujalte Martinez, member of the Murcia cycling team.

“The great cycling family will miss you.”

The prodigious talent, who was born on April 22 2005, was spotted at a young age when racing at junior level.

He joined the Valverde team last year from Esetec-Salazone – which was a huge step in building towards professional level.

Pujalte grew up in the Murcia region, having been born in the town of San Pedro del Pinatar.

The cyclist began competing at elite youth level in 2022, racing at events in both Spain and Portugal.

Tributes have poured in for Pujalte from cycling fans on X, in reply to the Murcia Cycling federation post announcing his tragic passing.

One cycling fan wrote: “News that is even more painful when it comes to someone with their entire life ahead of them RIP Juan Pujalte.”

Another shared their condolences in writing: “our deepest condolences to family, team and loved ones ”

A third said: “Much condolences to all his family, friends and team.”