Egyptian cyclist dies while competing at African Track Championships

22-year-old Eslam Nasser Zaki collapsed while competing in the omnium

Islam Nasser Zaki died while competing at the African Track Championships

(Image credit: CyclingEgypt)

An Egyptian cyclist has died while competing in the African Track Championships in South Africa.

Eslam Nasser Zaki was competing in the tempo race, the second event of the men's omnium and the final event of the opening session of the event, when he fell from his bike.

According to Cycling South Africa, medics were quickly in attendance, but extended attempts to resuscitate Zaki were unsuccessful, and he was declared dead at the scene.

The opening day of competition was suspended after Zaki's death, with Cycling South Africa saying that it is making every effort possible to assist the Egyptian team.

It is currently unclear whether the championships will continue, with the event scheduled to conclude on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Zaki was competing for his country at the continental track championships before joining up with the Bahraini VIB Bikes continental team, with whom he had signed at the start of the year.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.