Irish club cyclist dies during Tour of Flanders sportive

An Irish club cyclist has died after suffering a suspected heart attack during the Tour of Flanders sportive yesterday (Saturday, April 2).

Pat Coyle, 56, fell ill and collapsed when ascending Oude Kwaremont, 25 kilometres from the sportive’s finished in Oudenaarde.

Medics provided immediate aid to the well-known Irishman, who is thought to have been riding with his son, but they were unable to save him.

It was the Shannonside CC rider’s 14^th ride in the annual sportive which attracted 16,000 riders this year for what was the sportive’s 25^th anniversary.

Cycling Ireland released a statement, saying: “Cycling Ireland would like to extend their condolences to the family of Pat Coyle of Shannonside CC, Athlone, who died at the Tour of Flanders Sportive in Belgium yesterday following a heart attack.

“The tragedy occurred during the 227km event that attracts 16,000 riders, and is in its 25th year, an event in which he had participated many times.

“Mr Coyle had been an active member of Shannonside Cycling Club, who was particularly committed to the development of the club, having been a key organiser in events like the Operation Transformation cycle in Athlone in 2015.”