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29th Mar 2016

Belgian rider hit by race motorcycle dies in hospital

Gareth Makim

The cycling world is grieving today after news of the death of cyclist Antoine Demoitié.

The Belgian died last night from injuries sustained in a collision with a motorcycle covering the the one-day race Gent-Wevelgem yesterday.

The Team Wandy-Gobert rider crashed during the race and was subsequently injured when he was run over by the motorcycle, which was claimed to have been following the riders too closely.

Demoitié was taken to hospital in Lille, where initial reports of his death were refuted as he fought for his life. However, the 25-year-old racer later did succumb to his injuries, but not before donating organs that saved the lives of three people.

Fellow members of the peloton have reacted with sadness to the loss. However, with an inquiry underway into the incident, there are calls for improved safety regulations regarding the vehicles that accompany every professional bike race after an increasing number of dangerous collisions involving riders.

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