— Team Wanty-Gobert (@TeamWantyGobert) March 28, 2016
Riders and teams from around the world of cycling have been paying tribute to Wanty-Groupe Gobert rider Antoine Demoitié, who died on Sunday after a incident involving a motorcycle at the 2016 Ghent-Wevelgem.
His death was announced late on Sunday night, so many have woken up to the news on Monday morning and since the outpouring of tributes to the 25-year-old Belgian have come from all corners of the cycling community.
Demoitié was being treated, and later died at a university hospital in Lille, France, with his team confirming that his wife and family were by his side.
His teammate and friend Gaetan Bille, who had been riding at the Volta a Catalunya this week, tweeted that thanks to Demoitié’s subsequent organ donation, the lives of three others were saved and he described his friend as a “hero to the end”.
Following organ donation, @DemoitieAntoine saved 3 others lifes… Hero until the end! ✨🌟✨ #RIPAntoine
— BilleGaetan (@gaetanbille) March 28, 2016
British Wanty teammate Mark McNally was lost for words after news of Demoitié’s passing.
No words to describe this tragedy… pic.twitter.com/UoEaN6gZiE
— Mark McNally (@mmcnallycycling) March 28, 2016
Many from the WorldTour have paid their tributes, with Demoitié taking part in an event from cycling’s highest level for the first time at last Friday’s E3 Harelbeke.
Such tragic news. RIP Antoine Demoitie. My thoughts and condolences are with your family, friends and teammates.
— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) March 28, 2016
So sad to hear of the passing of Antoine Demoitié. Condolences to his friends and family.
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) March 28, 2016
Incredibly sad news this morning. My thoughts with Antoine Demoitié's loved ones and teammates.
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) March 28, 2016
There are no words for this tragedy…RIP Antoine Demoitié
— Adam Blythe (@AdamBlythe89) March 28, 2016
Terrible news of Antonie Demoité. Thoughts go out to his family #rip
— Luke Durbridge (@luke_durbridge1) March 28, 2016
There's no words. Rest in piece Antoine Demoitié.
— Alex Dowsett (@alexdowsett) March 28, 2016
Our team is deeply saddened by the death of Antoine Demoitié. 'Courage' to his family, friends & team members! https://t.co/unmawjfqa7
— Trek-Segafredo (@TrekSegafredo) March 28, 2016
Our thoughts are with Antoine Demoitié's family and friends and the entire @TeamWantyGobert team at this tragic time.
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) March 28, 2016
Speechless after hearing the news about Antoine Demoitié. The @Lotto_Soudal team offers its condolences to his family, team and friends.
— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) March 28, 2016
Collisions between cyclists and motos have become all too common during races, and some saw this accident as a moment that illustrates the need for change. One particular photo of support vehicles crowding a road has been retweeted several times.
Must tragic circumstances be the marker for change? Please @UCI_cycling @cpacycling your riders need you now! pic.twitter.com/nY3yNaS1Cg
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) March 28, 2016
This HAS to be the last straw. No other option. #AntoineDemoitie
— Peter Stetina (@peterstetina) March 28, 2016
The dominant theme, however, was the pulling together of disparate interests at the news that a young rider has been lost in tragic circumstances.
Horrible tragic news to wake up to. The cycling family has lost a brother. #RIPAntoine
— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) March 28, 2016
Thoughts and big hugs for @TeamWantyGobert , family and friends of Antoine Demoitié. The peloton is one family. It hurts so much.
— Team KATUSHA ALPECIN (@katushacycling) March 28, 2016
At times like this, cyclists stand shoulder-to-shoulder — and today we are all in mourning.
