Krisfor Goddaert, recently riding for Pro Continental IAM Cycling team, was killed in an accident while training in Antwerp yesterday afternoon. The 27-year old Belgian, formerly riding under the banners of Topsport Vlaanderen and Ag2r-La Mondiale crashed during the training, likely due to his front wheel being cought in train tracks, and was struck by a bus while laying on the ground, as it was reported by Nieuwsblad.be.
"We think first of his family and loved ones to whom we offer our sincere condolences and assure of our support during this terrible ordeal," said a devastated IAM Cycling General Manager Michel Thétaz.
"We lost Kristof Goddaert, an exemplary professional rider and a man of quality. He came to us in December of 2012 with the desire to meet us and to take on a new challenge. His constant good mood, everyday enthusiasm and willingness to fully engage in all endeavors were very much appreciated qualities.
"He had used the Tour of Qatar to hone his shape ahead of the Spring Classics, but this tragic fate will prevent him from realizing his dreams. To honor his memory, IAM Cycling will continue to race with ten times as much desire to win given that he can no longer compete because he has moved on to eternal life."
Goddaert has just participated in the 2014 Tour of Qatar, finished 34th overall, before returning to Belgium with the aim to prepare properly to his favourite Flemish classics…
The 27-year old Belgian had one professional win in his palmares, a stage won at the 2010 Tour the Wallonnie, but several other respectable results including second place to Tom Boonen in the 2012 Belgian road championships, 3rd in the 2009 Belgian road chamionships behind Boonen and Philippe Gilbert, 3rd in Paris-Bruxelles (2009), 5th in Le Samyn (2010), 8th place in Gent-Wevelgem (2011), 9th in Paris-Tours (2008) and 10th in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne (2011).
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