The Lotto Dstny development rider Tijl De Decker has sadly passed away from injuries sustained in a training crash.
The 22-year-old winner of the 2023 Paris Roubaix Espoirs was placed in an induced coma due to the severity of his injuries following the incident on Wednesday, and the Belgian died in hospital two days later.
De Decker “crashed hard into the backside of a car and was brought to the hospital in Lier where he underwent surgery,” Lotto-DSTNY explained in an earlier statement following the incident.
He was then transferred to the Antwerp University Hospital where despite the best efforts of medical staff, De Decker passed away on Friday morning.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tijl De Decker, following a training accident [this] past Wednesday,” Lotto Dstny said in a statement. “The team is heartbroken by this news and sends all of its love and thoughts to Tijl’s family and loved ones in this incredibly difficult time.”
“We are devastated by the loss of our cyclist,” Lotto Dstny CEO Stéphane 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.”
Our thoughts are also with Tijl De Decker’s friends, family and colleagues at this time.
What did you think of this story?