The mountain biker Ronny Raeymakers (51) has died of heatstroke while competing in the Cape Epic in South Africa’s Western Cape. Ronny Raeymakers, who is from Essen in Antwerp Province, was competing in the 3rd stage last Thursday when he became ill. He was taken to hospital in Cape Town, where he died on Monday with his family at his side.
Flemish mountain biker Ronny Raeymakers dies after suffering heatstroke during the Cape Epic in South Africa
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Ronny Raeymakers formed a two-man team with Ben Elst. Together they are competing in what is known to be a very tough mountain bike competition.
They took part in the Grand Masters category that is for the over 50s. Participants ride in pairs for 8 days and have to finish the race together.
Temperatures of 50°C
It was during Thursday’s 3 stage with temperatures of 50°C that the Flemish became ill with heatstroke. He was taken to hospital in Cape Town and the Cape Epic was halted for a day.
On Monday Ronny Raeymakers lost his fight for life and he died with his family at his bedside. A self-employed carpenter by trade Ronny Raeymakers leaves behind a wife and two stepdaughters. He had competed in the Cape Epic before and has previously also competed in the Crocodile Trophy in Australia.