European professional cycling is now digesting news that another rider has died, this time after suffering two heart attacks. Gijs Verdick (21) was on a stage race in Poland at the time.
Having witnessed a number of deaths – from crashes and heart attacks – already this year, pro cycling is digesting news of another fatality; this time an U23 rider losing his fight for life a week after falling ill at a race.
Gijs Verdick (21) was in his first season at Continental level and riding for Cycling Team Jo Piels when he suffered two heart attacks last week in Poland at the U23 Carpathian Couriers Race.
He suffered his first heart attack in the early hours of last Tuesday morning after stage 3 of the race, though a member of the support staff at Team Wiggins stepped in the administer CPR.
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However, Verdick suffered a second heart attack after he had been taken to hospital.
And though he had been flown home to the Netherlands for treatment since then, his team has this afternoon confirmed his death.
“We are very touched by this loss and very sad for the whole team,” the squad said in a statement.
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“It is unreal what happened. For Gijs the transition to Cycling Team Jo Piels was the dream to come true.
“Gijs was a fine boy to race with and we will miss him enormously. Our sympathy goes out to the family; we wish you a lot of power and strength during the processing of this loss."
Verdick was in an induced coma after suffering brain damage due to a lack of oxygen that resulted from his heart attacks.
He was flown home from Poland to Holland on Sunday and died yesterday, Monday, with his team adding this afternoon that his family is set to donate his organs.
His death follows the passing of two other riders during races this year.
Antoine Demoitié (25) of Wanty-Groupe Gobert died after he crashed in Gent Wevelgem and was hit by an official race moto while on the ground.
And Daan Myngheer (22) of Roubaix Lille Métropole died after suffering a heart attack on the opening stage of Criterium International in France.
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