The cycling world has paid tribute to Michael Goolaerts, the 23-year-old Belgian rider who tragically lost his life after suffering from a cardiac arrest during Paris-Roubaix in France on Sunday.
The Veranda’s Willems-Crelan rider fell on the Briastre cobble sector. After receiving emergency treatment by medics at the scene, he was transferred by helicopter to hospital in Lille.
His team confirmed on Sunday evening that he had died in hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
— Veranda’s Willems – Crelan Pro Cycling Team (@Snipercycling) April 8, 2018
Fellow professional riders, team staff, supporters and other from all around the cycling have world paid tribute to Goolaerts.
Wout van Aert posted a photograph of his team-mate Goolaerts. The two riders – both 23 years old – had raced together and come up through the ranks. Van Aert said: “I cannot yet grasp this. Your eternal smile will always remain an inspiration to me”.
Goolie, net als ik bouwjaar ‘94. Bijgevolg zitten we al jaren samen in het peloton. Ik kan het nog niet vatten dat daar een einde aankomt. Uw eeuwige smile zal altijd een inspiratie blijven voor mij. Rust zacht maat 😪 pic.twitter.com/Wn8qs3bzgN
— Wout van Aert (@WoutvanAert) April 8, 2018
Paris-Roubaix winner Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) said: “All the thoughts and prayers of the @BORAhansgrohe team and myself are with Michael Goolaerts. Such sad news.”
All the thoughts and prayers of the @BORAhansgrohe team and myself are with Michael Goolaerts. Such a sad news…
— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) April 8, 2018
In April 2017, the Hagen Berman Axeon team lost a young rider after 21-year-old Chad Young succumbed to injuries sustained after crashing during the Tour of the Gila. The team said: “Terrible, awful news. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to you and Michael’s family and friends. RIP.”
Terrible, awful news. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to you and Michael’s family and friends. RIP. ❤️
— Hagens Berman Axeon (@HBAxeon) April 8, 2018
Sep Vanmarcke (EF Education First-Drapac) said: “The whole evening I was hoping for the best, but afraid of the worst. Worried that this post would come up… Much strength to Michael’s family, friends and team. You go well. RIP Michael”.
De hele avond hopen op het beste, bang zijn voor het slechtste. Bang dat dit bericht zou komen… Veel sterkte aan Michael’s familie, vrienden en team. Het ga je goed. RIP Michael https://t.co/LFbO0ZGHtn
— Sep Vanmarcke (@sepvanmarcke) April 8, 2018
Welshman Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) had started Paris-Roubaix, but withdrew from the race after crashing. He said via Twitter: “Such terrible news. So so sad. My thoughts with all is loved ones”.
Such terrible news. So so sad. My thoughts with all is loved ones https://t.co/DCGmrifOr7
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) April 9, 2018
Grand Tour star Alberto Contador said: “My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Michael Goolaerts, since the end of the race I have not stopped thinking about him”.
Mi más sentido pésame a los familiares y amigos de Michael Goolaerts, desde que terminó la carrera no he parado de pensar en él. DEP
— Alberto Contador (@albertocontador) April 8, 2018
UCI president David Lappartient said: “On behalf of the Union Cycliste Internationale and the cycling family as a whole, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, team and friends of Michael Goolaerts, who left us too early today. We share their immense sadness.”
On behalf of the Union Cycliste Internationale and the cycling family as a whole, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, team and friends of Michael Goolaerts, who left us too early today. We share their immense sadness.
— David Lappartient (@DLappartient) April 8, 2018
German sprinter André Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) said “My sincerest condolences to the family of Michael – terrible news. RIP Michael”
My sincerest condolences to the family of Michael-terrible news. RIP Michael
— Andre Greipel (@AndreGreipel) April 9, 2018
Australian former sprinter Robbie McEwen said: “My sincerest condolences to Michael’s loved ones. Innige deelneming – RIP”
My sincerest condolences to Michael’s loved ones. Innige deelneming – RIP
— Robbie McEwen (@mcewenrobbie) April 8, 2018
Irish rider Conor Dunne (Aqua Blue Sport) said: “Such terrible terrible news to wake up to. My thoughts are with Michael’s friends and family. RIP.
Such terrible terrible news to wake up to. My thoughts are with Michael's friends and family. RIP.
— Conor Dunne (@conordunnealot) April 9, 2018
Numerous teams also paid tribute to Goolaerts.
Our thoughts go to the family, friends and team of Michael Goolaerts in these unimaginable moments of sadness! May he rest in peace. https://t.co/bm8kzhbu7W
— Quick-Step Cycling (@quickstepteam) April 8, 2018
Devastating news. Our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and team of Michael Goolaerts. https://t.co/FatycNd2Y4
— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) April 8, 2018
The riders and staff of @BMCProTeam are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Goolaerts. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and @Snipercycling at this incredibly sad time. https://t.co/VkRKCuP1sL
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) April 8, 2018
This hurts so much. Hugs from all #TeamKatushaAlpecin riders and staff to Michael's family and @Snipercycling team. We are one family.
— Team KATUSHA ALPECIN (@katushacycling) April 9, 2018
Such sad news, our thoughts are with Michael’s family, friends and teammates
— CANYON//SRAM Racing (@WMNcycling) April 9, 2018
Everyone at Team Sky is heartbroken by the loss of Michael Goolaerts. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all at @Snipercycling. https://t.co/O4j81lt9hF
— Team Sky (@TeamSky) April 8, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and team of Michael Goolaerts. We are terribly saddened by the news.
RIP.— Trek-Segafredo (@TrekSegafredo) April 9, 2018