Tragedy in Mexico
Susan McKenzie (Taken from Race Reports) / 27.02.2005
The alarm was raised by his team mates when he failed to emerge from the lake, and by another racer, Luis Gerrero of Smartwool Mexico, who said he saw Delgado go down. Gerrero said he simply went under, didn’t cry out or in any way made it obvious he was in trouble. However, search boats were unable to find Delgado, and his body was recovered on Friday evening.
The local authorities still do not know the cause of death and are continuing to investigate. Delgado was a very strong swimmer and was not complaining of pain or any problems prior to the swim. The weather was clear and hot, the water was calm and security boats were patrolling and issuing anyone who was struggling with PFD’s.
On Saturday morning, prior to the start of the third and final stage of the race, a brief ceremony and emotional minute of silence was held in El Chico. His team mates, Carlos Cabello and Arturo Blacio asked that the race continue in his honour.
Delgado was a well-known mountain biker and editor of the country’s top mountain biking website, mountainbike.org.mx, He was the father of two young children.
[For a more detailed account see the race reports section.]
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