RIP
Top Belgian cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht dies ‘on operating table’ aged 22 after horror crash at the Tour of Poland
CYCLIST Bjorg Lambrecht has tragically died "on the operating table" at the age of 22 after crashing at the Tour of Poland.
Team Lotto-Soudal, who he rode for, confirmed the shocking loss in a tweet.
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They wrote: "The biggest tragedy possible that could happen to the family, friends and team-mates of Bjorg has happened... Rest in peace Bjorg."
While Tour de Pologne tweeted: "There are no words to describe this tragedy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, team and the whole cycling community."
TRAGEDY
The Belgian rider crashed into a concrete culvert around 60 miles from the finish line of the third stage from Chorzow to Zabrze.
Riders were battling heavy rain as they raced near Zory, a town roughly 200 miles to the south of capital Warsaw.
Sporadic downpours throughout the day meant racing conditions were treacherous and Charles Planet and Adrian Kurek also crashed out in the latter stages.
While their injuries were nowhere near as serious, Team Lotto-Soudal confirmed Lambrecht was rushed to hospital in Rybnik by ambulance.
A helicopter was at the ready but according to Lambrecht's condition did not allow him to go by air.
It is believed Lambrecht's vital functions were restored by doctors but that he died during surgery, according to hospital spokesman Michal Sieron.
Tragic Lambrecht was regarded as one of Belgium's most promising riders and in 2017 won the Under-23 version of the prestigious Liege-Bastogne-Liege race.
He was riding in his second season at the top level and was second in the U23 World Championships last year.
Lambrecht also won the Best Young Rider competition at the Criterium de Dauphine in June.
TRIBUTES
Team Ineos, who count former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas among their riders, tweeted their condolences.
A message read: "The thoughts of everyone at Team Ineos are with Bjorg's family, friends and all at @Lotto_Soudal. May he rest in peace."
World champion Alejandro Valverde also said: "Deeply sorry for the loss of Bjorg Lambrecht, a cyclist who had demonstrated a lot in a few years.
“My deepest condolences to family, friends and team.”
'REST IN PEACE'
Valverde's Movistar teammate also paid his condolences and said: "Sometimes, life is simply not fair. So young with so many things yet to do.
“All our thoughts are with the family, friends and Lotto-Soudal teammates of Bjorg Lambrecht.
“Rest in peace.”
Lambrecht tweeted just two days ago that he was excited to race in the Tour of Poland.
He wrote: "After our training camp at Livigno, it's time to focus now on racing again. Ready for @Tour_de_Pologne in our brand new Lotto Fix All outfit."
Pascal Ackermann of Bora-Hansgrohe won stage three after Fabio Jackson - who crossed the line first - was penalised for shoving another rider earlier in the race but the German was not interested in the outcome.
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Ackermann said: "Today, the result of the race doesn’t matter.
"I was devastated to hear today’s tragic news and I would like to personally send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bjorg Lambrecht and everyone at Lotto-Soudal.”
And Essex rider Alex Dowsett added: "My thoughts to Bjorg’s family, friends and everyone at Lotto Soudal, such tragic news. Rest in peace."
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