There was further tragedy for Belgian cycling as young rider Matiz Vander Poorten died at a race yesterday after colliding with a bus.
He was taking part in a youth category race in Vinkt, near Deinze when the collision took place. He was taken to Maria Middelares Hospital in Gent but died of his injuries.
His team (Tieltse Rennersclub) announced the sad news on their Facebook page. It’s not the first tragedy to hit the club as former World Junior Time Trial Champion Igor Decraene was also a member. Decraene who won the Worlds in 2013 died after being hit by a train the following year.
The statement on the team’s website was as follows:
“With deep sadness, we announce the passing of one of our talented riders during the warm-up race today. Our thoughts are primarily with his parents, family and friends. Matiz Vander Poorten go well bove young guy. We will never forget you, you will be in the sky sparkling with our other star #RIP.”
