Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitie died on Sunday following a collision with a motorbike during Belgium’s Gent-Wevelgem race.

Belgian Cyclist Antoine Demoitie Dies After Gent-Wevelgem Crash

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.”

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.