Belgian cyclist Michael Goolaerts dies aged 23

Belgian cyclist Michael Goolaerts has died after suffering a heart attack during Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix race, his team has announced.

The 23-year-old had been airlifted to hospital in Lille after receiving CPR at the roadside following a crash during the 257-kilometre race.

His death was confirmed by his Veranda’s Willems-Crelan-Charles team in a statement.

It read: “It is with unimaginable sadness that we have to communicate the passing of our rider and friend Michael Goolaerts.

“He passed away on Sunday evening at 22.40 in Lille Hospital in the presence of his family members and loved ones, who we keep in our thoughts. He died of cardiac arrest, all medical assistance was to no avail.

“For now, there will be no further communication as we want to give his close ones time to deal with this terrible loss. We thank you in advance for respecting the privacy of his relatives.”

David Lappartient, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale, expressed the organisation’s sadness at the tragic news.

He tweeted: “On behalf of the International Cycling Union and the cycling family as a whole, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, team and loved ones of Michael Goolaerts, who left too early today. We share their immense sadness.”

Goolaerts was taking part in a race dubbed the “Hell of the North” because of the difficult terrain it covers when he was involved in the crash.

Peter Sagan, who went on to win the race, offered his own support via Twitter before it emerged that the Belgian had lost his fight for life.

He said: “All the thoughts and prayers of the @BORAhansgrohe team and myself are with Michael Goolaerts. Such a sad news.”