IAM Cycling's Kristof Goddaert killed after being run over by bus

IAM Cycling rider Kristof Goddaert has been killed after being run over by a bus at lunchtime today following a fall from his bike in Antwerp.

According to the Gazet Van Antwerpen, the 27-year-old Belgian died at the scene of the incident on Antwerp's Straatsburgdok, despite the efforts of emergency services personnel to try and save him.

The newspaper says that Goddaert lost control of his bike at around 2.10pm, adding that old train tracks may have been a factor, and that the driver of the bus travelling behind was unable to avoid him.

A professional since 2007, Goddaert joined the Swiss professional continental outfit IAM Cycling last year following three seasons at AG2R-La Mondiale.

He was runner-up to Tom Boonen in the Belgian national road race championship in 2012 and other results include a top ten finish in Gent-Wevelgem in 2011, third place in Paris-Brussels in 2009, and a stage win in the Tour de Wallonie in 2010.

Last week, he rode in the Tour of Qatar. During the 2009 edition of that race, his room mate and Topsport Vlaanderen colleague Fred Nolf died in his sleep. Goddaert was one of the pallbearers at his funeral.

In a statement, IAM Cycling general manager Michel Thétaz said: "We first think of his family and loved ones to whom we offer our sincere condolences and assure of our support in this terrible ordeal.

"At IAM Cycling, we lost Kristof Goddaert, and exemplary professional rider and a quality man. He signed in December 2012 with a great desire to meet with a new challenge with us.

"His good mood every day, enthusiasm and willingness to engage fully in his endeavors were very much appreciated qualities.”