Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitie died on Sunday following a collision with a motorbike during Belgium’s Gent-Wevelgem race.
Demoitie, 25, was hit by a motorbike after several riders came down in a crash as the race passed through Northern France.
Demoitie, who was riding for the Wanty-Gobert team, was taken to a hospital in Lille but died shortly afterwards.
French police spokesman Frederic Evrard stated that “An inquiry is under way to determine the circumstances.”
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The sport’s governing body, the UCI, said it would co-operate with all relevant authorities in an investigation into the incident.
UCI president Brian Cookson said: “Antoine will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team.”
Gianni Bugno, a former rider and President of the Professional Cyclists’ Association (CPA) stated: “We do not want to make controversy but we have so much frustration inside.
“I do not want to accuse anyone, but make everyone reflect on the responsibility we have to ensure… a very high level of attention, awareness, and control over safety standards during each race.”
Former Belgian champion Jens Debusschere was also taken to hospital after he was concussed in a separate crash.
Peter Sagan of Slovakia won Sunday’s 243km race.
Dutch cyclist Chantal Blaak won the women’s race by 84 seconds after riding clear from a breakaway group with 10km remaining.
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