April 08, 2018: Cyclist Michael Goolaerts,23, has died yesterday after Paris-Roubaix crash.
Belgian rider lost his life after suffering a cardiac arrest while being transported with a helicopter to the nearest hospital, right after a horrifying crash during Paris-Roubaix event which was eventually won by Peter Sagan.
Apparently, the rider hit an embankment which left him in a very bad shape suffering a cardiac arrest only minutes after getting professional help.
— Veranda’s Willems – Crelan Pro Cycling Team (@Snipercycling) April 8, 2018
“It is with unimaginable sadness that we have to communicate the passing of our rider and friend Michael Goolaerts,” Veranda’s Willems-Crelan, his squad, said in an official statement.
“Michael Goolaerts died in the presence of his family members and loved ones, who we keep in our thoughts. For now, there will be no further communications as we want to give his close ones time to deal with this terrible loss,” added the statement.
Lamento la partida de Michael Goolaerts hoy en #ParisRoubaix Fortaleza a su familia, amigos y equipo.
— NairoQuinCo (@NairoQuinCo) April 8, 2018
Immediate Help
Goolaerts’ cash moment took place on the 109th km into the 257km one-day race. Seconds after the tragic crash, race doctors found him unconscious. They immediately, after giving him a CPR treatment, called an air ambulance.
Yesterday’s tour was Goolaerts’ first senior one after being part of the under-23 edition a couple of years ago. Sadly, the ‘Hell of the North’, which is famous for being one of the toughest races in the sport and featuring almost 30 cobbled sections, meant to take young talent’s life.
All the thoughts and prayers of the @BORAhansgrohe team and myself are with Michael Goolaerts. Such a sad news…
— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) April 8, 2018
The riders and staff of @BMCProTeam are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Goolaerts. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and @Snipercycling at this incredibly sad time. https://t.co/VkRKCuP1sL
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) April 8, 2018
