Belgian cyclist Daan Myngheer dies following heart attack

Belgian cyclist Daan Myngheer died on Monday night after suffering a heart attack while competing in the Criterium International on Saturday, his team has announced.

Myngheer became the second Belgian cyclist to die in as many days following the death of Antoine Demoitie on Sunday evening following a crash in the Gent-Wevelgem race.

The 22-year-old Myngheer abandoned the opening stage of the three-day Criterium International in Corsica on Saturday and was taken to hospital in Ajaccio, where he died on Monday evening surrounded by his family.

A statement from the Roubaix Lille Metropole team said: “It is with great emotion that we announce the death of Daan Myngheer, the young Belgian rider who joined Roubaix Lille Metropole this year.

“Daan would have been 23 in a few days and he died doing what he loved most, cycling...

"He lost his last race after struggling as a great champion. He died this Monday, March 28 at 7.08pm in the presence of his parents, his sister Fleur Emely and her companion in the hospital of Ajaccio.

“All our thoughts, sincere will to parents, his sister Fleur Emely as well as to the whole family.”

On Sunday, Wanty-Gobert rider Antoine Demoitie died after an accident involving a motorcycle during the Gent-Wevelgem race.

Following news of Myngheer's passing, Mark Cavendish tweeted: "Such a terribly sad few days in the professional cycling world. Another tragic loss. RIP Daan Myngheer. My thoughts are with your loved ones"