According to initial findings, Tonelli had carried his mountain bike up a mountain path to the 2905-metre-high Piz Duleda and then descended a steep, technically very demanding trail. The rear wheel probably slipped off, causing him to lose control and crash.

When Tonelli did not return in the evening, relatives and a friend informed the rescue services. At around 01:00 at night, the lifeless body was located in the Langental valley. However, due to bad weather and difficult terrain conditions, a rescue was only possible in the morning.

Shortly before the accident, he had posted a video on Instagram showing him on the summit with his bike on his back. Tonelli was known in the international outdoor scene for spectacular and extremely difficult tours (see attached article), which took him to remote regions of the world as well as the Dolomites. He worked as a photographer, splitboard and bike guide and travel organizer.

Born in Völs am Schlern, Tonelli gave up his office job in 2014 to devote himself entirely to outdoor sports. The accident caused great consternation far beyond his home village. Tonelli was considered a formative figure in the scene and leaves a big gap in the international bike community.

Source: Südtirol News

The accident happened not far from the tour to the Rifugio Puez.