Briton, aged 51, dies during We Ride Flanders, the Tour of Flanders for cycling enthusiasts

The British cycling enthusiast (51) fell ill whilst cycling, on his way to the Hotond or Hooiberg in Kluisbergen (East Flanders), by far the longest climb in Flanders. The man fell from his bike. A mobile medical team immediately arrived and attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is believed to be a cardiac issue.

Gert Van Goolen of We Ride Flanders organisers explains what happened: “We received a report that a man had fallen off his bike, and that it wasn’t a normal crash. A medical team arrived very quickly and started resuscitation. It was to no avail, so the man died at the scene.”

“This is the last thing you want as an organiser. You just hope that the 14,000 people here have a good day.” Last year, too, two participants died during the cycle race.

Two others resuscitated

Near the Karnemelkbeekstraat in Ronse (East Flanders), the emergency services were called out again on Saturday afternoon. A 57-year-old Dutch cycling fan was resuscitated at the scene, resulting in the route being closed for some time. Following a successful resuscitation, the man was taken to hospital for further examination. He is now in a stable condition.

At around 2 pm, a further incident occurred on the Oude Kwaremont. A third participant, another British national, had to be resuscitated and was taken to hospital.

Race went on

“As organisers, we focus on raising awareness. We draw our participants’ attention to many things, but a small part of the responsibility lies with them,” Van Goolen said while the race was still in full swing on Saturday.

The race is continuing as normal. The course is not obstructed, but the festive atmosphere has vanished. “In terms of entertainment, we’re toning things down considerably,” concludes Van Goolen.