Riders pay tribute to IAM Cycling's Kristof Goddaert

Belgian cyclist Kristof Goddaert of team IAM Cycling died while training in Antwerp today. According to Sporza TV, the 27-year-old fell on a train crossing at 14:10, was hit by a passing bus and was killed immediately.

"First, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, to whom we offer our sincere condolences and assure them of our support in this terrible ordeal," said the team's general manger, Michel Thétaz in a press release. "IAM Cycling also lost an exemplary professional rider and a man of quality."

Goddaert lived in Sint-Niklaas, southwest of Antwerp. He raced professional for teams Topsport-Vlaanderen, Ag2r La Mondiale and since 2013, IAM Cycling. In 2010, he sprinted ahead of Filippo Pozzato to win a stage in the Tour de Wallonie. His first and only win.

"His good mood everyday, his enthusiasm and willingness to engage fully in his endeavours were very much appreciated qualities," Thétaz said. "He went to the Tour of Qatar to build his shape for spring classics but his tragic fate prevented him from achieving his dreams."

Goddaert finished his final race in Doha last week, closing the Tour of Qatar 34th overall. Michel said the team would continue to race and would try to win "to honour the memory of Kristof Goddaert, friend and teammate."

Goddaert's stepfather, Rik 'Kamiel' Van Linden raced professional and won stages in the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. He also took the Tour's green jersey in 1975. Van Linden and his wife Yvette were devastated to hear the news.

The cycling peloton took to Twitter immediately...

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