Talented cyclist De Decker dies after training accident

The talented cyclist Tijl De Decker has died as a result of his serious training accident. "Despite all the efforts of the hospital staff, Tijl did not survive the operation and lost his battle this morning," his team Lotto-Dstny announced on its website.

The 22-year-old had collided with a car and, according to media reports, had lost a lot of blood. After an emergency operation in Lier, De Decker was transferred to the nearby university hospital in his home city of Antwerp.

"We are devastated by the loss of our rider," said Lotto boss Stéphane Heulot. "We will always remember him as a talented young rider and a warm and friendly person off the bike," he added.

De Decker, who only joined the Lotto team this year, was regarded as a great classics and sprint talent. He finished fourth in the junior version of Frankfurt-Eschborn this year and won the U23 edition of Paris-Roubaix a week later. Last Sunday, he also finished fourth in the U23 category at the Belgian championships.

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