FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California man taking part in what is considered one of America's most grueling bicycle rides has been killed after he lost control of his bicycle and hit a tree.
Authorities say Nicola Grossi, of La Mesa, was riding downhill on a road near Shaver Lake in Fresno County when he lost control of his bicycle on a curve, went off an embankment and hit the tree around 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
CHP officers, deputies and paramedics tried to render medical aid, but Grossi died at the scene.
He was taking part in the ride known as the Climb to Kaiser.
The event's website says the ride, which begins in Clovis, is 155 miles long and requires 13,500 feet of climbing, though shorter 62- and 100-mile routes are also offered.
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