Sorry if this has already been mentioned:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabio_Casartelli
Fabio Casartelli (August 16, 1970 – July 18, 1995) was an Italian cyclist and an Olympic gold medalist, who died in a crash on the descent of the Col de Portet d'Aspet, France, during the 15th stage of the 1995 Tour de France.
Lance Armstrong at the time riding on the Motorola Squad went on to win a Stage just a few days later. When he crossed the finish line you can see him point to the sky as a victory in Casartelli's honor.