Tijl De Decker dies after training crash

04:33, Friday 25th August 2023

Lotto Dstny development rider Tijl De Decker passed away on Wednesday after a training ride due to an automobile accident, according to confirmation from his team. The Belgian had 22 years old.

On Wednesday night, word spread of the collision, which apparently featured De Decker running into the rear of an automobile. Following his transfer to a hospital in Antwerp, the team confirmed on Thursday night that De Decker was in an induced coma and “severely injured.”

Lotto Dstny confirmed the Belgian’s death around noon on Friday.

The team released a statement saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tijl De Decker, following a training accident past Wednesday.”

“The team is deeply saddened by this news and extends its warmest regards and best wishes to Tijl’s family and loved ones during this extremely trying time.”

The group went into further information about the incident’s circumstances but omitted to discuss the type of injuries De Decker received.

After suffering a severe collision with the rear of an automobile, Tijl was taken to a hospital in Lier and had surgery right away. He was sent to the Antwerp University Hospital later that evening.

“Despite the best efforts of the staff at the hospital, Tijl couldn’t make it through and this morning he lost his battle.”

A local police spokeswoman stated on Thursday that an inquiry into the incident’s circumstances is still underway, according to a report published in the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

At the beginning of 2023, De Decker joined Lotto Dstny’s development team following a strong performance with club team ACROG-Tormans. He dutifully fulfilled that promise in 2023 when he emerged victorious in Paris-Roubaix Espoirs, the U23 equivalent of the renowned Monument and one of the most significant races on the U23 calendar.

In addition, he placed in the top five in a few one-day races and won a stage of the Tour de Taiwan in March. In his most recent competition, he placed fourth in the U23 road race in the Belgian national championships on Sunday.

De Decker attended the University of Antwerp to study bio-engineering in addition to racing.

“The loss of our cyclist has devastated us,” said Stéphane Heulot, CEO of Lotto Dstny. “Tijl made significant development this year, and we were confident in his future potential. It made sense to move up to the professional squad. Regretfully, he will never become a professional rider, but we will always remember him as a kind and amiable person off the bike and as a gifted young rider. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this trying time, and we offer our sincerest condolences to them.

The entire staff of GCN would like to offer their sincere condolences to the friends, family, and Lotto Dstny teammates of Tijl De Decker.