The former Belgian cycling champion Ludo Dierckxsens has died while taking part in the cancer charity Kom op tegen Kanker's (Stand up to Cancer') 1,000km cycling event. Tragedy struck on the first day of the 4-day event.
Former Belgian cycling champion dies while taking part in cancer charity fundraiser race
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60-year-old Ludo Diercksens, who was one of the road captains suddenly became unwell. He died during the afternoon near Dendermonde (East Flanders) where he was cycling the afternoon session of Thursday’s 250-km first leg. Efforts made to resuscitate the former Belgian cycling champion were unsuccessful and he died at the scene.
Despite Ludo Dierckxsens’ passing the organisers have said that the 1,000-km Kom op tegen Kanker will continue in his honour.
On learning of Dierckxsens’ death the event’s organisers first expressed their deep sorrow at his passing before deliberating on whether the event should continue or not. They decided that the race should continue as they say that it is what Ludo Dierckxsens would have wanted.
In a statement released on Thursday they said “We'll be back tomorrow. Solemnly, with Ludo in our thoughts and in our hearts, more united than ever.”
The organisers also extended their condolences to Ludo Dierckxsens’ family and friends. “We are will continue for Ludo and for them and for everyone that is taken part the 1,000-KM”, spokesman Sven Haenen said.
Tributes
Tributes will be paid to Ludo Diercksens in the coming days. A large photograph of cyclist is on display on the central market square in Mechelen where the 1,000-km starts and finishes each day. Ludo Diercksens had taken part in every 1000-km Kom op tegen Kanker.
When the riders in Ludo Diercksens’ peleton arrived in Mechelen late on Thursday afternoon there were greated with many minutes of applause by the crowd that had gathered on the Grote Markt.