Clayton, GA : Michael Goolaerts dies after crash on Sunday, 8th April 2018

The Veranda's Willems-Crelan rider fell on the second set of cobbles in the one-day classic in northern France.

He suffered cardiac arrest and was airlifted to hospital in Lille but died at 21:40 BST on Sunday.

"It is with unimaginable sadness that we have to communicate the passing of our rider and friend Michael Goolaerts," read a team statement.

The team said Goolaerts died "in the presence of his family members and loved ones, who we keep in our thoughts".

The statement added: "For now there will be no further communication as we want to give his close ones time to deal with this terrible loss."

Goolaerts crashed 109km into the 257km race and was found unconscious by race doctors. Television footage appeared to show him receiving CPR treatment from medics at the side of the road.

David Lappartient, president of cycling's world governing body the UCI, said: "On behalf of the UCI and the cycling family as a whole, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, team and loved ones of Michael Goolaerts, who left too early.

Source :
Michael Goolaerts dies after crash