Belgian cyclist Tijl De Decker dies in training crash

Belgian cyclist Tijl De Decker has died at the age of 22 following a crash in training.

Lotto Dstny rider De Decker crashed into the back of a car on Wednesday and underwent surgery in hospital in Lier before being transferred to Antwerp University Hospital.

De Decker, the winner of this year's Paris-Roubaix Under-23 race, died on Friday.

"We are devastated by the loss of our cyclist," Lotto Dstny chief executive officer Stephane Heulot said. "Tijl showed big progression this year and we believed in his growth margin. Stepping up to the pro team was a logical choice.

"Unfortunately he will never turn pro and we will always remember him as a talented young rider and a warm and friendly person off the bike.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time."

In June Swiss rider Gino Mader died after crashing into a ravine on the descent towards the finish line during stage five of the Tour de Suisse.

The 26-year-old was found unresponsive by the race doctor and resuscitated before being air-lifted to hospital.

Mader joined the Bahrain Victorious team in 2021 and won a stage of the Giro d'Italia that year. He also won the young rider classification at the 2021 Vuelta a Espana.