Daan Myngheer dead: Second Belgian cyclist dies in as many days after having fatal heart attack, aged 22

Myngheer was competing in Saturday's Criterium International race in Corsica when he stopped during the opening stage and was rushed to hospital

Jack de Menezes
Tuesday 29 March 2016 08:26 BST
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Belgian cyclist Daan Myngheer died on Monday after suffering a heart attack
Belgian cyclist Daan Myngheer died on Monday after suffering a heart attack (AFP/Getty Images)

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A second Belgian cyclist has died in as many days after it was confirmed that Daan Myngheer had suffered a fatal heart attack during a race at the weekend, aged 22.

Myngheer was competing for the Roubaix Lille Metropole team in Saturday’s Criterium International race in Corsica when he abandoned the opening stage and was rushed to hospital in Ajaccio.

Despite receiving treatment, it was confirmed by the team that Myngheer died on Monday morning, having been surrounded by his family.

A statement released by the Roubaix Lille Metropole team read: "It is with great emotion that we announce the death of Daan Myngheer, the young Belgian rider who joined Roubaix Lille Metropole this year.

"Daan would have been 23 in a few days and he died doing he what loved most, cycling...

"He lost his last race after struggling as a great champion. He died this Monday, March 28 at 7.08pm in the presence of his parents, his sister Fleur Emely and her companion in the hospital of Ajaccio.

"All our thoughts, sincere will to parents, his sister Fleur Emely as well as to the whole family."

The news adds to what has already been a tragic weekend in the world of cycling after Belgian Antoine Demoitie was killed on Sunday evening after being involved in a collision with a motorcycle during the Gent-Wevelgem race.

25-year-old Antoine Demoitie died on Sunday
25-year-old Antoine Demoitie died on Sunday (Getty Images)

The 25-year-old was involved in a crash that saw a number of riders fall off their bikes, and he was hit by a passing motorcycle before being rushed to hospital. He was treated for his injuries but died sometime after.

A number of fellow cyclists have left tributes to their late colleagues on social media site Twitter. Two-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome said: “So sad to hear the passing of Antoine Demoitie. Condolences to his friends and family.”

Record Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish added: Such tragic news. RIP Antoine Demoitie. My thoughts and condolences are with your family, friends and teammates.

“Such a terribly sad few days in the professional cycling world. Another tragic loss. RIP Daan Myngheer. My thoughts are with your loved ones.”

According to the Roubaix Lille Metropole team, Myngheer’s organs have been donated.

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