The Belgian Cycling Federation reports a promising young rider has tragically left their ranks. 18 year-old road and cyclocross racer Miel Dekien died after being involved in an automobile accident on Saturday.

Dekien was a passenger in an auto that was involved in an incident near Diksmuide (West Flanders). Details of the accident have not been released as police continue their investigation, but another 18 year-old also died in the accident.

On Instagram his Ostend Air College team posted, “You will always be in our hearts Miel, we will never forget you and are grateful for the many beautiful moments we shared together. Wherever you are now, all the best!”

The Belgian teen had been one of the most promising cyclocross prospects. In the junior ranks he placed second at Kortrijk Urban Cross and just last week he made his U23 debut at Koppenbergcross, where he finished an impressive 27th.

Dekien was set to race in Lokeren on Sunday, which began with a minute of silence for the fallen rider. “That’s tough. What happened is extremely intense. It is on your mind a bit, but then you try to quickly switch focus. It’s always a bit shocking. It shows how fragile things can be,” race winner Guus Van den Eijnden told IDLProCycling.com afterwards.

Photo Credit: Instagram/cqacyclingteam

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