Cyclist Tijl De Decker lost her life as a result of a training mishap. The 22-year-old was a member of the Lotto Dstny team and was killed in a collision close to Antwerp.
After the collision, De Decker was taken to Antwerp University Hospital for surgery and later placed into a coma. He collided with the back of a car on a public road during the incident.
A police investigation has been launched. De Decker has won the Under-23 Paris-Roubaix before.
He had spent the entire season riding in the reserves for the Belgian team, and on Sunday, he came in fourth in the National Championship race.
There was a chance he would advance to the first team the following year. Lotto Dstny confirmed his passing in an emotional statement after receiving an influx of condolences.
“It is with great sadness that we announce Tijl De Decker’s passing, following a training accident last Wednesday,” it said.
“The team is devastated by this information and is thinking of Tijl’s family and loved ones during this incredibly trying time.
“Despite the hospital staff’s best efforts, Tijl was unable to survive, and he passed away this morning.
We respectfully request that you respect the family’s request for privacy as they grieve for Tijl.
Tijl showed significant progress this year, and we had faith in his growth margin, according to team CEO Stephane Heulot. It made sense to move up to the professional squad.
He will sadly never become a professional rider, but we will always remember him as a gifted young rider who was also a kind and sociable person off the bike.
“We offer his family and loved ones our sincere condolences and our thoughts are with them at this trying time,”
More messages from rival teams followed, including one from INEOS, which stated: “We’re heartbroken to hear about Tijl and our thoughts are with his friends, family, and everyone at Lotto-Dstny.”
Lots of bravery and support to his family, friends, and teammates, Moivistar continued. Peace be upon him.
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