ULTRA-CYCLIST Max Riese has died after a high-speed collision with a deer.
Tributes are pouring in after the 36-year-old died after hitting the animal on a downhill descent.
Max Riese poses with his bicycle at the finish of the Silk Road Mountain Race Credit: JamPress
A cyclist takes part in a race in the Lake District Credit: Alamy
Riese had been cycling near his home in Salzburg, Austria, when he crossed paths with a deer at high speed, according to RMC Sport.
The German cyclist’s death was later confirmed by the GravGrav Collective, a cycling community that he had founded, on social media.
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GravGrav Collective’s Instagram post read: “It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the news that Max Riese passed away in a fatal accident on 15.09.2026.
“As we all know, Max is a special soul. Although ultra-racing is an individual pursuit, Max cared deeply about the people and the community around it.
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“He leaves behind an irreplaceable space, in the larger community, for gravgrav, but mostly for his family, for Lisa, and his closest ones.
The statement went on to encourage fans to “continue riding” to honour Riese’s legacy.
GravGrav’s statement continued: “Your spirit will live on in our hearts, in our ideas, and in our actions. You will be missed more than words can express. See you around, Max 🤍.”
Several fans have shared their thoughts following Riese’s death.
One fan said: “Unbelievable loss. Deepest condolences to his loved ones, family, friends.”
Another commented: “I don’t know what to say. I’m absolutely shocked. RIP Max!”
Riese set the Triple Everesting World Record as he climbed 26,553 metres of elevation across nearly 300 miles in a single ride in 37 hours and 37 minutes in 2025.
He also won the Hellenic Mountain Race earlier in 2026, riding 573 miles over the Pindus Mountains in Greece.
