The Belgian rider Antoine Demoitié is in intensive care following a crash at Ghent-Wevelgem earlier today.
He crashed after 150 kilometres of the race along with four other riders and was reported to have subsequently been hit by a motorbike. However, there are mixed reports as to whether a motorbike was in fact involved.
Demoitié who riders for Wanty Groupe Gobert was transferred to the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Lille.
“After his fall, he was again hit by a motorcyclist,” said team manager Hilaire Van der Schueren earlier in the day.
However, a reporter for De Telegraaf , Raymond Kerckhoffs subsequently tweeted: “According to witnesses motorbikes were not to blame, so let us not be premature in reporting on errors v motorcyclists. #gentwevelgem”
His team have this evening provided the following update on his condition: “Antoine Demoitié’s situation remains very serious. His wife and family are with him at the hospital in Lille.”
Tragic that this is no longer a surprise.
all of a sudden this has become common place at races. Hoping for the best him.