Bjorg Lambrecht dies at Tour de Poland at age 22

The cycling world is mourning the death of Lotto-Soudal rider Bjorg Lambrecht who died following a crash in Monday’s third stage of the WorldTour race the Tour de Poland. With 50 km to go in the 150-km course, Lambrecht crashed into a concrete culvert.

Race doctor Ryszard Wisniewski said that a helicopter was called into to transport Lambrecht to hospital by helicopter but the rider was in such critical condition that he was transported by ambulance. Lambrecht died during the operation to save his life. Soon after the stage the race doctor confirmed the terrible news circulating at the finish and Lotto-Soudal announced Lambrecht’s passing.

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

The 22-year-old Belgian joined Lotto-Soudal in 2018. This year he won the best young rider at the Critérium du Dauphiné while finishing 12th. In the course of a week in April he came fifth in De Brabantse Pijl, sixth in Amstel Gold and fourth in La Flèche Wallonne.

Twitter was filled with sorrow and tributes to the late rider.

https://twitter.com/ProCyclingStats/status/1158447791171129344

Another young, talented rider who has left us way too soon. We want to extend our sincerest condoleances to the family, friends and @Lotto_Soudal family! Rest in peace, Bjorg! pic.twitter.com/rsoaVi9Br0

— Flanders Classics (@FlandersClassic) August 5, 2019

The UCI is extremely saddened by the passing of Bjorg Lambrecht. The cycling community has today lost a rising star.

Our thoughts are with Bjorg’s family, friends and his entire @Lotto_Soudal team. RIP Bjorg ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1qRYTsMm11

— UCI (@UCI_cycling) August 5, 2019

News of the tragic loss of Bjorg Lambrecht is such a blow. An amazing rider with greatness his destination. The journey came to an end for him today. So very sad

— Carlton Kirby (@carltonkirby) August 5, 2019

All post-race ceremonies were cancelled. Race leader Pascal Ackermann’s second stage victory was shrunk to insignificance by the tragedy. At posting time the Tour of Poland was continuing with a neutralized Stage 4, and Lotto-Soudal’s status is unclear.

Tour de Pologne Stage 4 neutralized.
Riders go from start to the finish and there will do only one lap. No racing.
If Lotto – Soudal start tomorrow they will pass the finish line in front of the peleton.

— Jarosław Marycz (@jaroslawmarycz) August 5, 2019