Tijl De Decker (22), winner of the Paris-Roubaix U23 and set to turn professional for Lotto Dstny next year, suffered a severe accident during training. De Decker lost a significant amount of blood and was urgently taken to the hospital, where he is currently in a coma, according to his management.
During the training, De Decker crashed heavily into the back of a car. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital in the city of Lier (Belgium), where he underwent surgery. Later, he was transferred to the University Hospital of Antwerp for further investigation.
Watch the video featuring Tijl De Decker’s victory at the Paris-Roubaix U23:
Magalie Derboven, spokesperson for the Lier police, confirms that an accident involving a cyclist occurred in Lier. “The accident happened on a public road, outside the city center. The cyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. The evolution of his condition remains to be seen.”
The Lotto Dstny team issued an official statement:
“We can confirm that Tijl De Decker has been involved in an accident during training. He has been taken to the hospital. Please respect the privacy of everyone involved and do not disturb his friends and family.”