Italian cyclist Scarponi killed after being hit by van while training

Cyclist Michele Scarponi died Saturday morning after being hit by a van while training near his home in Filottrano, Italy, his road team said in a statement. He was 37.

In its statement, Astana Pro Team called Scarponi "a great champion and a special guy, always smiling in every situation."

Scarponi, who won the Giro d'Italia in 2011 after Alberto Contador was stripped of the title for doping, had finished fourth in the Tour of the Alps on Friday in Trento before returning home. Scarponi was himself suspended twice over the course of his career over doping-related incidents.

He was set to compete in this year's edition of the Giro, which begins May 5.

The Italian Football Federation will hold a minute of silence at all matches this weekend to honor Scarponi, The Associated Press reports.

British cyclist Mark Cavendish called the news of Scarponi's death "devastating," describing him as "one of the nicest guys you could ever meet."

Scarponi is survived by his wife and two children, Astana said.