Ghent-Wevelgem retires race number 192 in memory of Antoine Demoitié
Belgian rider was tragically killed in the 2016 race
The race organisers of Ghent-Wevelgem have announced the race number 192 will be retired in memory of Antoine Demoitié, the Belgian rider who was tragically killed in the 2016 race.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, the number 192, which Demoitié was wearing on the day of the accident, will never be used again in the race, and there will also be an intermediate spring at 192km in further tribute.
The winner of the sprint will be given a trophy and a prize, but the prize money will be donated to a charity chosen by the late rider's family.
Demoitié was killed in the 2016 Ghent-Wevelgem after being hit by a motorbike following a crash, an incident that has partly contributed to current attempts to reduce the number of riders in professional races.
This isn't the first time race organisers have retired a race number after a rider's death, with the Giro d'Italia no longer using number 108 after the death of Wouter Weylandt in 2011.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
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.