Belgian cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht died in hospital on Monday at the age of 22 after crashing at the Tour of Poland, his team announced.

“The biggest tragedy possible that could happen to the family, friends and teammates of Bjorg has happened… Rest in peace Bjorg,” Lotto-Soudal tweeted.

The biggest tragedy possible that could happen to the family, friends and teammates of Bjorg has happened… Rest in peace Bjorg… ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9u9LZkp2Rt

— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) August 5, 2019

 

Polish news website Onet reported Lambrecht collided with a concrete structure around 30 kilometres (19 miles) into the race after it suddenly began to rain.

He was resuscitated on the spot, then taken in a critical condition to a hospital in the southern city of Rybnik, where he died on the operating table, according to Onet.

German Pascal Ackermann, who was handed the stage three victory after the win was taken from Fabio Jakobsen for an irregular sprint heading into the finish line, paid tribute to Lambrecht.

“Today, the result of the race doesn’t matter,” Ackermann said.

“I was devastated to hear today’s tragic news and I would like to personally send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bjorg Lambrecht and everyone at Lotto-Soudal,” he added.

Alejandro Valverde, the world road race champion in 2018, echoed Ackermann’s comments on Twitter.

“Deeply sorry for the loss of Bjorg Lambrecht, a cyclist who had demonstrated a lot in a few years,” the Spaniard said.

“My deepest condolences to family, friends and team,” he added.

Ackermann’s advantage is 12 seconds ahead of second-placed Fernando Gaviria after the 150.5km run between Chorzow and Zabrze.

Lambrecht finished second at the U23 World Championships last year. In his second year at the WorldTour level, he amassed top ten finishes at La Fleche Wallonne, Amstel Gold Race and was 12 overall at Criterium du Dauphine.

We at Road Bike Action extend our condolences to all who knew Bjorg.

Very saddened to hear about Bjorg Lambrecht today. He was talented but more importantly a nice person. He will be missed by many

— Daryl Impey (@darylimpey) August 5, 2019

RIP matchbox…can’t believe it how tragical our sport can be…all my thoughts to Björg’s family…

— Andre Greipel (@AndreGreipel) August 5, 2019

Such sad news. Professional cyclists are brave and fearless in the face of such a dangerous sport. It’s what makes them the warriors they are. Losing one of these fearless warriors is just so inexplicably sad. My condolences and heart are with his family. RIP Bjorg.

— Jonathan Vaughters (@Vaughters) August 5, 2019

RBA/AFP Photos: Bettini