Dutch pro cyclist Robbert de Greef is said to be “fighting for his life” after suffering a heart attack during a race in Belgium on Saturday.
The 27-year-old, who rides for UCI Professional Continental outfit Alecto Cycling Team, is currently in an induced coma in a hospital in Antwerp.
He was taken there after paramedics administered CPR to him after his heart attack, which happened on a cobbled sector early on in the Omloop van de Braakman one-day race.
The race was cancelled once the seriousness of de Greef’s condition became apparent.
In a statement released on Sunday, his team said: "Yesterday, something we hoped that would never happen, became reality: one of our riders had a heart attack.
"During the first kilometres of the Omloop van de Braakman, Robbert de Greef became unwell and they performed CPR on him for hours.
"He was taken to the Hospital in Antwerp by ambulance.
“Robbert is currently fighting for his life and therefore we ask you to respect his and his family’s privacy.
"All our thoughts are with Robbert, his girlfriend, family and friends."
A professional cyclist since 2013, last month de Greef finished second to Direct Energie’s Pim Lighart at the Dutch one-day race, the Ronde van Drenthe.
If I was spending that kind of money it would be on a top end Colnago all day long.
He advocates only riding mountainbikes solely offroad for ultimate safety, which is great if you're a millionaire of leisure living in Colorado...
That looks like a fun bike. Frame only, 2 and an 1/2 grand.
Does this count as social media?
But down the line it can put a big dent in its resale value which ups leasing costs and the amount of cash an owner is throwing at their status...
Fair enough, personal experience may trump (not that one) theory. However, the bonking I have experienced has been due to lack of carbs. Your point...
Agreed, but he was still right to publicise the event. The police, if they're anything like Lancashire, will do nothing at all.
mdavidfrodo?
in the UK we have policing which to a greater or lesser extent relies on assistance from members of the public......
Just wanted to share a quick thank you to everyone who helped out in this thread....