25-year-old Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitié has passed away after a crash with a motorbike during the Gent-Wevelgem race in Belgium. As the race passed through Northern France, the Belgian cyclist was knocked off by the motorbike causing other cyclists to fall in the crash. Demoitié was taken to hospital in Lille where he passed away.
An Investigation into the Death of Antoine Demoitié
Commenting on the accident, French police spokesman, Frederic Evrard said an investigation is underway to reveal the cause of the incident. The sport’s governing body said it would work together with all authorities in an investigation into the accident. Brian Cookson, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) president, said their thoughts are with Antoine’s family, friends and the Wanty-Gobert team. He will truly be missed.
Wanty-Gobert team posted on Twitter sharing their condolences and also thanked people for their overwhelming support. A former cyclist, president Gianni, said they don’t want to make a debate, but they have so much frustration inside. He further added by saying he doesn’t want to accuse anyone, but make everybody reflect on the responsibility they have to ensure during each race, a very high level of awareness, attention and control over safety standards.
BBC Sport’s pundit Matt Slater commented by saying, “without safety conditions to race, there are no cyclists, there is no sport. Cycling must have balance.”
