23 year-old Belgian rider Michael Goolaerts has died in hospital in Lille after suffering a cardiac arrest during yesterday’s Paris-Roubaix.
The Veranda’s Willems – Crelan Pro Cycling Team rider suffered the cardiac arrest with 148 kilometres remaining of the race, received emergency treatment at the scene before being transferred by helicopter to hospital. He passed away on Sunday evening surrounded by friends and family.
The team released the following statement:
“It is with unimaginable sadness that we have to communicate the passing of our rider and friend Michael Goolaerts.
“He passed away Sunday evening at 22:40 in Lille hospital in the presence of his family members and loved ones, who we keep in our thoughts. He died of a cardiac arrest, all medical assistance was to no avail.
“For now there will be no further communication as we want to give his close ones time to deal with this terrible loss.
“We thank you in advance for respecting the privacy of his relatives.”
