Belgian Cyclist Dies After Motorbike Accident During Race

Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitie died at 25 after he was hit by a motorbike following a fall during the Gent-Wevelgem race on Sunday, police said.

Police said an inquiry is going on to “determine the circumstances.”

Demoitie was rushed to the hospital after the accident in Sainte-Marie-Cappel, northern France where he had been in intensive care unit due to serious conditions prior to his death.

Sunday’s Gent-Wevelgem cobbled classic saw cyclists battle strong winds as they tackled 10 climbs over a 243km route, including two ascents of the Kemmelberg.

Former Belgian national champion Jens Debusschere was also hospitalized after he sustained a concussion following a heavy crash, his Lotto-Soudal team said.

The race was won by Slovakia’s Peter Sagan. (PNA/Xinhua) FFC/EBP