Belgian cyclist Ronny Raeymakers has died of heat stroke while competing in 40-50C temperatures at the world famous Cape Epic mountain bike race in South Africa last week.

During the race organizers announced, “Due to extreme heat conditions on Wednesday, a decision was made in consultation with and under the advisement of the Event Medical Director and local authorities to halt the shortened Stage 3 as at 2.36pm local time.”

The 51 year-old competing on a two-man team became ill during the stage. After activating an emergency SOS beacon, Raeymakers was evacuated to hospital in Cape Town where his condition worsened until he passed away on Monday 24 March.

On Tuesday Cape Epic organizers made the following sad announcement:

“This morning, we learned the devastating news of the passing of a member of our MTB community. During Stage 3 of the race, the rider’s SOS button was initiated, and the emergency medical team was deployed to initiate medical care, extract the rider from the course and transport them to the hospital. Despite best medical efforts over the last few days, the rider’s condition worsened. We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the rider. We thank our onsite medical personnel who provided the rider with medical support before they were transported to hospital care.”

Raeymakers was an experienced MTB stage racer, having competed in Cape Epic twice before, as well as Australia’s Crocodile Trophy.

Heat stroke is a serious life-threatening condition that occurs when body core temperature exceeds 40C and cannot cool down fast enough. It is the most severe form of heat illness and can be fatal if left untreated.

Commonly referred to as “The Tour de France of mountain biking”, this year’s 7 stage Cape Epic race covered 591 kilometers with 16350 meters of vertical climbing.

Photo Credit: Stijn de Koning

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