Very sad news out of Belgium where young road racer Tuur Hancke died suddenly on his 19th birthday, just hours after doctors diagnosed him with influenza.

Tuur’s father told Het Nieuwsblad that his son started feeling unwell last Sunday. Tuur initially thought it was just a cold from riding in the rain days earlier. After a couple of hours with his condition deteriorating, Tuur went to hospital where doctors diagnosed him with influenza and prescribed antibiotics.

Unfortunately, his conditioned rapidly turned for the worse. Just a few hours later, at 02:00 Monday morning, Turr passed away on his 19th birthday.

His team, The Lead Out Cycling Academy, announced his passing on Instagram.

“With great defeat, the club has learned of the sudden death of Tuur Hancke. Been with our juniors since 2022 and with the promising ones last season. Riders and employees keep the best memories of Tuur. Always respectful, always smiling, welcome by everyone. Unfortunately, there is no time left together to make new memories. We wish everyone who knew Tuur a lot of strength. First of all, the family and family of Tuur, his teammates and friends inside and outside the club.”

After concluding the 2024 season at the Elfdorpen road race in September, where he finished 16th, Tuur planned to take time off from racing and focus all of his effort pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.

Photo Credit: The Lead Out Cycling Academy

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