Did he know the perpetrator?

Fatal knife attack! Mourning for ex-professional cyclist

Marlon Perez in the individual time trial at the 2011 Pan American Games.

(Bild: AFP/AFP PHOTO/Raul ARBOLEDA )

The former Colombian professional cyclist Marlo Perez is dead. The 48-year-old was stabbed to death on the street in his home country. There is now speculation about the background to the crime. 

As the newspaper "El Columbiano" reports, Perez was stabbed in the neck on the street in the Antioquia region. Passers-by who became aware of the situation called the emergency services, but all attempts to resuscitate the 48-year-old failed. 

"Today we say goodbye to a great champion, but above all to an extraordinary person whose smile, camaraderie and fighting spirit will always be remembered by those of us who had the honor of knowing him and working with him," the Colombian Cycling Federation said in a statement. 

Suspect has been identified
Meanwhile, there is speculation in Colombia about the background to the crime. According to witnesses, it is possible that Perez knew the perpetrator. The two had been talking on the street before the crime. The police were able to identify a suspect, but he was able to flee the scene. They are currently searching for him. 

Perez took part in the Olympic Games three times (1996, 2000 and 2004). His greatest successes include winning the Tour Nord-Isère in 2000 and winning the individual time trial at the 2011 Pan American Games.