Tijl De Decker dies after training crash

Lotto Dstny development rider Tijl De Decker has died following a crash involving a vehicle during a training ride on Wednesday, his team has confirmed. The Belgian was 22.

News of the crash, which reportedly involved De Decker colliding with the back of a car, emerged on Wednesday evening. De Decker had been transported to hospital in Antwerp, and on Thursday evening the team confirmed that he was “severely injured” and in an induced coma.

At midday on Friday, Lotto Dstny confirmed that the Belgian had died.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tijl De Decker, following a training accident past Wednesday,” a team statement read.

“The team is heartbroken by this news and sends all of its love and thoughts to Tijl’s family and loved ones in this incredibly difficult time.”

The team also provided more detail on the circumstances of the incident, without mentioning the nature of the injuries De Decker sustained.

“Tijl crashed hard into the backside of a car and was brought to the hospital in Lier where he immediately underwent surgery. Later that evening he was transported to the Antwerp University Hospital.

"Despite the best efforts of the staff at the hospital, Tijl couldn’t make it through and this morning he lost his battle."

Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad reported on Thursday that a spokeswoman for the local police had confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances of the incident was ongoing.

De Decker signed for Lotto Dstny’s development team at the start of 2023 after a promising showing with club team ACROG-Tormans. In 2023, he duly delivered on that promise by winning Paris-Roubaix Espoirs, the under-23 version of the fabled Monument and one of the most important races on the U23 circuit.

He also won a stage of the Tour de Taiwan in March, as well as picking up a handful of top fives in one-day races. His last race was the Belgian national championships U23 road race on Sunday, where he finished fourth.

Alongside racing, De Decker was studying bio-engineering at the University of Antwerp.

“We are devastated by the loss of our cyclist”, said Lotto Dstny CEO Stéphane Heulot. “Tijl showed big progression this year and we believed in his growth margin. Stepping up to the pro team was a logical choice. Unfortunately he will never turn pro and we will always remember him as a talented young rider and a warm and friendly person off the bike. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

Everyone at GCN would like to extend their deepest condolences to Tijl De Decker's family, friends, and Lotto Dstny teammates.